f THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. ^^"^^^^^i^^k^ ^^^ HARRY A^rD GETTY.— Page 18. THRILLING ADVENTURES OF THE PEISONER OF THE BOEDER. P. HAMILTON MYERS, AUTBOR OF **KINO OP THE HVROKS,' AtO* 17ITS JLLmTBATIOKS. NEW YORK: DERBY & JACKSON, 119 NASSAU STREET. 18(60. * J* * •»• **, • *• * « « « DERBY * JACKSON, » Ckrk'a OSm of Um DiMriot Court of the United Stat«f, for The Midnight Army, .- , 6T CHAPTER X. Thelnyasion, 74 CHAPTER XI. The Battle of WlndmlU Point, 80 CHAPTER Xn-. A Recreant Brother, 87 CHAPTER Xni. The Magic Rifle, 96 CHAPTER XIV. A Tyrant and a Slave, . 98 \ CHAPTER XV. Ruth's Story, . 106 CHAPTER XVI. A Good Samaritan, 118 CHAPTER XVn. A Guinea Negro, ,, 121 CHAPTER XVIII. A Dutchman's Courtship, and its Consequences, . . , , , • . " , 129 CHAPTER XIX. Tidings from the War, . * 130 CHAPTER XX. Gertrude and her Friends, • • . 142 CHAPTER XXL Captain Tom's Fortunes, 152 CONTENTS. Vll CHAPTER XXII. FAOE The Hero of the Thousand Isles, 162 CHAPTER XXIII. Rainbow Island, 167 / CHAPTER XXIV. A Thousand Pounds for his Head, 179 CHAPTER XXV. Subterranean Councils, " 186 CHAPTER XXVI. Samson Unbound, ' 197 CHAPTER XXVn. The Express Travellers— An Unexpected Meeting, . . , . . . .201 CHAPTER XXVIII. The Prisoner of Prescott, 208 CHAPTER XXIX. Light in a Dungeon, 221 CHAPTER XXX A Mysterious Client, 230 CHAPTER XXXL An Unlucky Walk, 230 CHAPTER XXIOI. Jack Shay and his Gang . 244 CHAPTER XXXIIL A Trial— An Unexpected "Witness, ........ .253 CHAPTER XXXIV. Heroism, 261 Vm CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXXV. PAOB Black Brom and the Attorney-General, 267 CHAPTER XXXVI. The " Queen's Evidence," 278 CHAPTER XXXVII. Sir George Arthur, 279 CHAPTER XXXVIII. A New Advocate, 288 CHAPTER XXXIX. A Physician Disappointed, 292 CHAPTER XL. A Sad Interview, 800 CHAPTER XLI. An Inquisitive Man, •••. 806 CHAPTER XLII. A Visit to a Desperate Brigand, 812 CHAPTER XLIII. The Outlaw and his Followers, • • . 818 CHAPTER XLIV. Nobility in Disguise, 829 CHAPTER XLV. A Lawyer with a Small Library, ^ ^ 335 CHAPTER XLVI. The Will, g4j CHAPTER XLVn. Rough ^^torg, 35^ CHAPTER XLVin. Conclusion, 670 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. CHAPTER I. J GUERT ROSEVELT AND HIS GRANDSONS. Within view of those mystic mountains, which were long since rendered classic soil by the pen of Irving, and on the banks of that beautiful Hudson, whose charms defy even the power of genius to depict, was the quiet home of Walter Vrail. Not in the days when the ghostly Hendrick and his phantom followers made the rocky halls of the Catskills reverberate with their rumbling balls, and with the clatter of their falling nine-pins, and when their spec^ tral flagon-bearer could be dimly seen at twilight, toiling up the misty ascent to join the shadow revellers, but in these lat#r days, when the quaint old bowlers in doublet and jerkin, have retired deep within the bowels of the mountain, to pursue their endless game undisturbed by the plash of the swift steamboat, or the roar of the linked cars, plunging through dark passes, trem- bling along narrow ledges, and sending up their shrill scream through all the far recesses of a once holy solitude. All, how much has modern utilitarianism to answer for at the tribunal of Poetry. How many a fairy dream has it dispelled ; how many a cherished illusion has it dissipated! How has it 1* » 10 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. measured out with square and compass all the sacred precincts of Romance, and run its surveyors^ chains along the moonlit haunts of the Naiad and the Hamadryad ! There are no haunted wells, no spell-bound treasures now. No restless Spirits tramp along our darkened halls at night, and lead the way, all voiceless, to their hid- den gold. No headless horseman scours the plain, frightening belated travellers, and vanishing at churchyard gate. No solemn conclave of grey-bearded men and ancient dames, around the ample hearth, discuss th^ l^st new apparition with uplifted hands, and look askance atid^riltng corners of the room, while the wild tale is io\(\,, , ^ . . . ■ ; '^ '' .'/P«rGgress: has chan^^ all this. Our old men talk of stocks instead of ghosts ; our children, fancy dwarfed, prefer philosophy to fairy tales, and laugh at good old Santa Glaus, for whom the pendent stockings gaped by a thousand chimneys in the days of yore. We search no more for Kidd's deep coifers, or if we do, a spook-defying joint-stock company, with shares commanding pre- mium on 'change, attempts the work, disdaining other incantation than the power of steam. Progress has wrought these changes. Progress has opened to us a land of gold, outvieing a thousand fold, the fabled stores of brigand wealth. Progress has- — *' Done nothing for your story yet, Mr. Romancer," we hear some querulous reader object, and accepting the rebuke, we bid adieu to goblins, and " chimeras dire." We said that Walter Vrail lived ; yet, almost in the same para- graph, are we to record that he ceased to live. Called, in his meridian years, to relinquish life, he left besides it, two much loved sons, the education and welfare of whom had long been the object of his earnest solicitude. Both had passed out of the age of boyhood, Harry, the elder, having attained to his twenty-third year, and Thomas just verging upon legal manhood ; but, although brothers, there was a diversity in their character and appearance THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 11 which would have prevented a stranger from suspecting them of even a remoter affinity. Both were handsome in face and in figure, yet Harry alone pos- sessed that indefinable beauty of expression and manner, which we so often see without the power to analyze, and which won many fair hearts whose peace he never dreamed of disturbing, and some far above his aspirations. Aspirations, indeed, he could scarcely be said to have. Never, perhaps, was mortal more devoid of self- esteem, his deficiency in which quality might have been considered almost reprehensible, had it not been a natural hiatus in his char- acter which no education could supply. Elegant, well-educated, witty and graceful, he really believed himself to be a very ordinary mortal, who owed all his considera- tion to the extreme good-nature of his acquaintances, and to the great merits of his younger brother. His friends were all quite or nearly faultless in his estimation, but Tom was a perfect paragon of excellence. So talented, so learned, so very, very dee'p^ so ambi- tious, too, that he was sure to become a very great man ere long, and to shed a rich lustre upon the family name. Ah ! how he regretted that his parents, whose pet Tom had ever been, could not have been permitted to live to see that coming day which was to realize their predictions and his own expectations. It was true, he thought, his brother had some failings of char- acter, though perhaps he ought rather to call them eccentricities. Genius is always eccentric, and cannot be expected to be governed by the same laws which bind ordinary mortals. He had thought that Tom lacked in — what should he call it ? — thoughtfulness, con- sideration for others — not for Am, indeed ; there was no need of thinking about Mm — but for his now solitary old grandfather, and sometimes for other friends. Then, Tom was a little irritable — that was the genius, of course, but it was a pity ; and sometimes he was a little, a very little vain — yet how could the poor fellow help it, thought Harry, with so much to be vain of? 12 THE PRISONER "of THE BORDER. Mr. Vrail had been wealthy, but in his mistaken anxiety to increase his property for his children's sake, it had been reduced, within the last year of his life, by a failing speculation, to less than a competence. His small farm and homestead, situated in a vil- lage on the bank of the Hudson, formed the whole of his posses- sions, and to this estate the brothers were equal heirs. Brought up in the expectation of so great wealth, it seemed indeed but a pittance to them, and they became speedily aware of the necessity of making some exertion for their support. Harry, unfortunately, Jiad learned no business. When his collegiate course had terminated, he had been advised, but not urged, by his indulgent parents, to select a profession and pursue it, and he had often nearly resolved to do so. But what was Harry fit for, in his own estimation ? He thought, at timesf of the law ; but what was the use of studying law, when young Tom could outspeak him already in the debating society, and could make more noise in five minutes than he would dare to make in the whole evening. To be sure, Tom was not very perspicuous in his arguments, and often forgot and misstated historical facts, but then he did everything with an air, and made the weakest point of his case seem strong by the force and fire of his declamation. The practice of medicine had also been recommended to Harry as a genteel and easy business, but the idea of ever having a human life dependent on his poor judgment made him tremble ; and as for the pulpit, he thought that a man, like himself, who was good for nothing else, certainly had no right to think of that. So Harry had wasted year after year in a sort of elegant leisure, reading, indeed, a great deal of history, biography and classic lore, and constantly finding among his departed heroes prototypes of what Tom was going to become one of these days. When Mr. VraiPs losses occurred, his sons were far from know- ing the extent of them, for the kind father, still hopeful of retriev- ing his fortunes, would not look poverty in the face, nor teach his THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 13 children to contemplate what seemed to him so hideous a spectre. It was not, therefore, until his sudden death that they became aware of their comparative penury, and of the necessity of turning to some account the excellent education which he had bestowed upon them. The younger son had, indeed, for several years been nominally a student in the office of a village attorney, more with a view to the acquirement of that renown which he was sure must follow his first forensic efforts, than with any expecta- tion of making his business a source of profit. But now, when poverty had come so suddenly upon him, he felt entirely impatient of the slow process of regaining his lost wealth which his profes- sion offered, and he longed to discover some " open sesame " to the magic portals of Mammon. It is difficult to convince a man who has once been affluent that there is not some short and certain road which will lead him back to the golden highway from which he has strayed, and Tom was particularly sanguine on this point. " We must sell the homestead to begin with," he said to Harry, when, a few months after his father's decease, the brothers had their first business consultation ; " we must turn everything into money " "Grandfather included, I suppose," said Harry, smiling; "for your plan would leave him no home." " Oh, I did not thinlc of grandfather," replied Tom ; and then added, after a pause, "How very old he is — isn't he ?" " Why, bless you Tom, no ! He isn't seventy-five yet, and he is as hale and hearty as ever- — he is good for a dozen years, at least, yet, I hope." " And nothing to live on. Well, we must manage some way in relation to him^ and then we must sell out everything. There are many fields open for speculation when once one has a little money on hand. But nothing can be done without that. At ])resent we can scarcely buy a barrel of flour." 14 THE PKISONER OF THE BOEDER. " Tom talks like a book," thought Harry ; *' but what does he mean to do with grandfather ?" Their conversation was interrupted by the entrance of the vene- rable subject of their remarks, a hale, hearty old man, bent, indeed with years, and slightly crippled with rheumatism, yet with a face red, and fresh, and unwrinkled, shining out of its setting of snowy hair, like the sun breaking through a white fog. Guert Rosevelt was a Dutchman at all points, and his consent had with difficulty been obtained, twenty-five years before, to the marriage of his loved Katrina with an American who could boast no Flemish blood or affinities — but these scruples had long been forgotten, and he now cherished the memory of his son-in-law with an affection scarcely inferior to that with which he mourned his departed daughter. His grandsons were all that he had left on earth to love, and his old heart clung to them as the oak, riven, but not uprooted, clings to its native soil. Yet it was not with an equal affection that he regarded the orphaned youths, for Harry had been his pet in childhood, and, though unacknowledged as such, was greatly his favorite still. " I am glad you have come, grandpa," exclaimed the elder bro- ther, impulsively ; " we were just speaking of" ** Of business," said Tom, interrupting his brother, and slightly coloring as he spoke ; " and we shall, perhaps, want your advice." " Veil, den, boys, what is it, now ?" said the old man, compla- cently, seating himself between the youths. " Why, you see," answered the younger brother, " it is time for us to be seeking our fortunes, Harry and I — we are poor enough now, you know, and we ought to be up and doing. But what we are to do, is the question." " Yes — yes," said the grandfather, quickly, nodding his head energetically, "I hef been thinking . of it too. This reeting of books and blowing on the flute will never make a poor man rich." " That's you^ Harry," said Tom, chuckling. THE PEISONEK OF THE BORDER. 15 " Neither will this shmoking cigars in a lawyer's shop, and talk- ing politics," continued the mentor, shaking his white locks still more earnestly. *' That's you^ Tom," said Harry. " Yes — yes — it is both of you. If Tommy means to be a lawyer, well and goot. 'Tish a trade I don't much like — but he is a shmart lad, and may get to be a Justice of the Peace or Supervi- sor one of these days." " Justice of the Peace or Supervisor !" echoed Tom, contemptu- ously. " Hush !" whispered his brother. "Yes — yes," continued the old man, "that you may, ef you are shmart — you will be^ a Squire, perhaps a Judge some day, Tommy." " Like Judge Boory, I suppose, to wake up and say, * I concur,' when the first judge gives an opinion, and then go to sleep again." " Yes, like Judge Boory," added Guert, who had not understood the latter part of the young man's reply ; " yes, you will dp very well, if you try — but as to Harry, here" — " Oh, I shall rise to be first flageolet to some travelling Punch and Judy, grandfather," said Harry, laughing, and taking down his flute ; " you will see if I don't. Just listen to this new air from the Beggar's Opera, which I have been learning." " ' Tish the right thing for you to learn, poy," replied the old man, smiling, and laying his hand afiectionately upon the head of his grandson. " The Beggar's Opera — yesh — yesh 1" and the old gentleman's head gave a great many little nods, the playful smile still lingering upon his lips. Harry took advantage of the pause in conversation to play the air half through, and he would have played it over a dozen times before his grandfather would have interrupted him in anything which gave him so much pleasure ; but Tom frowned, and Harry stopped. 16 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. *' We have no time for music now," said the younger brother, " if you call that music — but I think I have heard cornstalk flutes give clearer notes than that cracked and patched tube of yours." " It was father's flute," replied Harry, in a low voice, which certainly was most musical, if the instrument was not. "As to the law," said Tom, recurring to business, and, of course, to his own prospects, " I don't half like it ; and, besides, it is too slow a path for me without some auxiliary. I must try something else. I want to get rich first, and then I will practise law after- wards for the honor and eclat of it. But the money — the money is what I want now, grandfather, and what Harry wants too, I suppose." " Why don't one of you go and marry little Getty Van Kleeck 3" asked Guert, addressing them both, but looking at his favorite. " She is almost as rich as the Patroon, and a pretty little chub she is too." Harry rose, and turned aside to lay his flute on the shelf, and Tom replied, " By George ! I never thought of that. It wouldn't be a bad idea — though, to be sure, she isn't exactly the kind of wife a man would like to introduce to— to distinguished circles." " To distinguished what .^" said the old man, sharply. "Why to distinguished people, grandfather — fashionable acquaintances, you know." *• She is a goot girl," said the old man, earnestly ; " as clean as a pink and as fresh as a rose." " She is short and fat," answered Tom ; " but she must be very rich, of course. A queer old codger her father was, and he died of a surfeit of sour crout." " He was a goot man," said Guert. ** And died like a great one," added Harry, smiling. " Frederick the Great killed himself by over eating, and there are plenty of royal precedents for gluttony." THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 17 " He was a goot man !" reiterated Guert, sharply. " I don't know," muttered Tom, musingly, " I don't know but I will take Getty. She is squabby, certainly ; but — a — what do you think, Harry ? You are much better acquainted with her than I am.'' There was the slightest perceptible increase of color on Harry's cheek as he was thus applied to, but he answered without hesi- tation. " I think you could get her, Tom." " Get her ! You think I could get her ! Well, I did not want your opinion on that point — but the question is, whether it would be quite the thing ?" " I think Gertrude a very amiable and sensible young lady," replied Harry, " Well, I guess that is the first time the little dumpling was ever called a young lady, and I don't think she would recognize herself by the title. However, she might be transformed into a young lady — stranger metamorphoses have taken place. I will certainly think about it. Will you go over there with me some evening ? I am almost a stranger to her." ** Yes," said Harry, unhesitatingly. CHAPTER II. A DUTCH BELLE. Harry and Getty were very well acquainted with each other.. Their homes were indeed a considerable distance apart, Miss Van Kleeck living in a large old farm-house quite without the precincts of the village, and nearly a mile from the residence of the Trails. Almost alone did she live, too, for her mother had been several years deceased, and since the death of her father, which had occurred only a few months prior to the time now spoken of, she had continued to reside in the family mansion, with an old aunt, who had been one of the household longer than even Getty her- self. The remainder of the family consisted of a hired laborer and two domestic servants, all of whom had occupied their pre- sent position so very many years without change, that each seemed to challenge a life interest in the old homestead, and Getty had not the heart to break up the establishment since the removal of its venerable head, nor could she be said scarcely to entertain the least desire to do so. For what idea had Getty of home, elsewhere than in the old brown house, with its antique chimneys, and its long Dutch stoop, whence for so many summer evenings, far back as memory could reach, the smoke of the paternal pipe had ascended. Getty did not wish to change her abode, nor did she scarcely realize her right to do so. She knew, indeed, that she was the sole inheritor of her father's large property, but she very faintly 18 THE PKISONER OF THE BOBDEE. 19 coraprehended its value, or the importance which it gave her in the eyes of others, and she had so long been accustomed to defer- ence to her aunt, that it was with difficulty and by slow degrees alone that she could appreciate her position as mistress of the household. How or when Harry's acquaintance with Gertrude begun it would be difficult to say, but for several preceding years his hunting excursions had extended more often through old Van Kleeck's woods than in any other quarter, and the silvery stream which tinkled across the meadow of Mynheer afforded the finest flavored trout, in Harry's opinion, of the whole country around. It was natural enough, on these expeditions, to stop and chat occa- sionally with old Baltus, on his stoop, and sometimes to leave a tribute of his game with the proprietor of the domain on which it was bagged. If a string of finer trout than usual rewarded his afternoon's labors, the larger half was sure to be left at Baltus' door, despite of all resistance ; and then the servant was to be instructed in the art of dressing, and Getty in the mystery of cooking them in the way which should best preserve their flavor. Some- times, too, the fatigued youth could be induced at the close of the day, to remain and see if his culinary instructions were properly followed, and at the bountiful board of the Dutchman his seat chanced ever to be beside that of Getty, who saw that he received of the choicest portions of his own gifts. How she loaded his plate, too, with dainties drawn from dark closets, the key of which was seldom turned, save on such occasions as this; how the thickest cream filled the old-fashioned silver cream pot to the brim, and was half emptied over Harry's strawberries, or on Harry's currants, while with her own white hand she pitched the large wheaten slices, quoit-like, around his plate, enjoining upon him, in the most approved fashion of Dutch hospitality, to eat, Nor did Harry always find himself sufficiently refreshed to start for home as soon as the evening meal was finished. From the 20 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. table to the long covered stoop was a natural and easy transition ; for there the air was fresh and cool, and while Baltus planted him- self, puflSng, in his favorite corner, and his silent vrow sat knit- ting and musing at his side, and pussy, unreproved, now dandled the good dame's ball of yarn in her paws, and now tapping it fiercely, pursued it rolling far across the floor ; while the swallows darted daringly inside the pillars, and skimming close to the ceil- ing, flew chirping out at the farthest opening, Harry and Getty chatted and laughed together — talking only on common themes it is true, yet at times in tones which might have been mistaken by one who had not caught the words, for tones of love. And there was a time when yet Harry's father was alive, and was a man of wealth, that the young man had dreamed of love. It was presumptuous in him, he knew, even then, to look up to one so fair and pure as sweet Gertrude seemed to him, and one for whom so many worthier than himself would be certain to aspire. Yet he could not refrain from hoping, though with so faint a heart that he never found encouragement to declare, or even most remotely to hint at the love which consumed him. But if, while he was the prospective heir of great wealth, he felt thus unworthy of the object of his admiration, widely, hopelessly yawned between them the gulf of separation when positive poverty became his lot. With a pang of unspeakable intensity he dismissed the bright visions which had gilded his heart, and sought no more to recall so painful and illusive a dream. Yet, strangely enough, while he held himself thus unworthy of Gertrude, and considered that his changed position precluded him from the right to offer her his hand, he saw no such barrier in the way of his brother. Tom, he thought, was so clever and so handsome, his merits were so many and his fortunes so sure, that he might almost be entitled to wed a princess, and although he . was half incensed, he was not surprised at the very confident tone in which the young lawyer had spoken of winning the beautiful THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 21 Gertrude, if he chose. Harry thought so himself— he had often thought of it before, and had wondered why his brother had never seemed to notice this sparkling jewel in his path any more than if it were but common crystal. , But true love, even when hopeless, instinctively revolts at the idea of seeing the beloved object in the possession of another, however worthy, and Harry, although not without some upbraid- ing of conscience, had carefully abstained from saying anything which should set the current of his brother's thoughts in the direc- tion of the great prize he had discovered. Very great, therefore, was his alarm when his good grandsire made his abrupt sugges- tion, and when Tom so coarsely and ungraciously seemed to approve it. Yet he suppressed his great grief, and replied truth- fully to his brother's inquiry, for he not only believed that the lat- ter could obtain the beautiful heiress (indeed, he looked upon them from that moment as wedded), but he failed to see the utter selfishness which had so entirely ^overlooked himself or any predi- lections which he might entertain. So Harry accompanied his brother on his first visit to Getty, not because any formal introduction was needed, for there had been a slight acquaintance existing between all the parties from childhood, but because Tom thought it would serve to put him at once on better and jnore familiar terms with the lady. And sp it did. Getty was delighted to see them, for she appreciated the kindness which remembered her bereavement and her isolation. So very amiable and cheerful did she appear — so naturally grace- ful and winning, especially when conversing with Harry, with whom she was best acquainted, that Tom was positively delighted with her, and on his return homeward, he announced his fixed determination to ofier himself within a week. ? ^ " Won't she be astonished ?" he said. " ■ [^ "It will be rather abrupt," replied Harry; "she will barS|f expect it so soon." 22 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. " Very probable ; but when a thing is to be done, the sooner it is accomplished the better. Besides, it wouldn't be fair to keep her in suspense." " Perhaps you are right." "I shan't hurry her to fix the day, you know, but I abhor long courtships, and these things can as well be settled in a week as in a year." " Perhaps you would have done well to save time by proposing for her to-night," said Harry, compelling a laugh. "No, that would not have looked well. Besides, it is proper she should have time to make my acquaintance." " And you surely do not think a week suflScient for the purpose of forming a mutual acquaintance, and for acquiring that attach- ment for each other which ought to precede a matrimonial engagement ?" "I surely do. Have we not been neighbors from childhood and does she not know me well enough by reputation ? Do not fear, Harry ; I will manage it." "But if" "No, no — a *but' and an *if' are quite too much in one sen- tence. I tell you I have no fears. She may possibly be engaged to some boor of a fellow, but even then, Harry, I think it could be managed. Don't you ?" "I do not think she is engaged — certainly not to any one unworthy of her." " Then we are on safe ground," said Tom, with hilarity, for he seemed to think his brother equally interested with himself in the success of his plans. "She seems a nice girl, and I have no doubt we st[all get on capitally together. She shall soon lead a different sort of life from her present one, cooped up in an old brown farm-house, with a dragon to guard her. Won't she open her eyes when we go to the city, and she gets into New York society ?" THE PRISONER OP THE BORDER. , 23 Harry began to open his eyes a little to his brother's character, but the force of education was strong, and he had been taught to believe Tom almost perfect, and his invincible good nature was busy in meliorating the harsh views which he was at first dis- posed to take of his conduct, and in inventing excuses for him. Besides, he had a strong afiection for Tom, which he believed to be fully reciprocated, and he did not doubt that Getty would inspire him with the same fervent love which his own heart had once felt, and even now with difficulty suppressed. He did not pursue the subject, nor return to it again, excepting when com- pelled to do so by the other, whose exuberant spirits ran wild in contemplation of the fortunate change which he was about to make in his aflfairs, and who could not cease to wonder that he had never before discovered such an obvious opportunity for his personal advancement. The more he thought of his project the more deeply his heart was set upon it, and so bountifully was he supplied with that quality of mind which Harry most lacked, self-esteem, that he had no misgivings as to success. CHAPTER IIL AUNT BECKY AND THE HEIRESS. Baltus Van Kleeck had left the world somewhat suddenlyi and without making any provision for the disposal of that part of it which he claimed to own ; and when his pretty daughter Getty became, by operation of law, sole proprietress of several square miles of the terrestrial globe, without any guardian or man of business to guide or instruct her in its management, her position was one of no little embarrassment. Not that she would have so considered it had she been left to herself in exercising her sovereignty — for Getty was an easy, good-natured sou], who said " yes " to everybody's advice, and to all applications for favors. Not a tenant but would have had his rent lowered, or his house repaired, or some privilege granted or restriction removed, had it not been for the perpetual interference of aunt Becky, a shrivelled, nervous old lady, who was kept in a continual state of excitement by the fear that her niece would be imposed upon. "Don't you do it, Getty," were the words with which she usually burst in upon these conferences, spectacles on nose, with- out waiting to hear the specific subject of negotiation. " ni tell you what, aunt," said the heiress, one day after one of these interviews, from which the applicant had retired discomfit- ted by the very first gleam of Madame Becky's glasses, " I must have an agent to manage these matters, for they are quite beyond THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 25 my comprehension. What with farms to hire, and farms to sell, stock to dispose of, and rents to be collected, I shall go crazy. I know I shall. I must have an agent." " What for, then, would you have an agent ?" said the dame, in a Joud key, scowling meanwhile over the black rims of her spec- tacles ; " to cheat you out of everything, and to grow rich on your money ? Hey ?" *'No, aunt; some good, reliable man" '' Good, reliable fiddlestick, Getty." " I say no, aunt." " I say yes, child. He'll charge you half for taking care of your property, and run away with the rest. Don't talk to me about agents." Getty had never divested herself of the dread with which from childhood she had regarded her scolding aunt, and so, without fully resolving either to carry or yield the point, she sought to escape from the altercation for the present by not pressing it. "But these repairs, aunt," she said, "which are so much needed for these poor men ?" " It is no such thing ; there are no repairs needed. Why, one would think the houses and fences had all tumbled down the moment poor Baltus was gone. It is no such thing, I say — they are well enough. I have been in every house on the estate within a fortnight, and they are well enough." " But Mr. Jones, who has eight children, can't make his rent out of the farm." " Let him give it up, then, to some one who can. What business has he with so many children ?" " And Mr. Smith has lost one of his best oxen." " He must take better care of his oxen, then. He need not expect us to pay him for it, I can tell him that." " But I gave him ten dollars, at all events," replied Getty des- perately, and not without alarm. 26 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. " Ten dollars, child ! Well, now, did anybody ever hear the like of that ? Ten dollars to that idle, whining fellow ! Why, Getty, you will be in the poor house in a year, if that is the way you are going on — that you will. Ten dollars !" Becky could hardly throw accent enough upon these two words to express her appreciation of the magnitude of the waste. " I dare say it was too much," said Getty, *' but he told a very pitiful story." " Yes, yes, they'll all tell pitiful stories enough, if they can only find any one silly enough to believe them. But I'll see to it that there is no more such throwing away of Baltus' money. Give me the key." Getty submissively took from a side pocket a small bunch of keys, and slipping the smallest off the steel ring which held them' together, she handed it to her aunt. No sooner, however, had she done so, than the absurdity of the command and the compli- ance became apparent to her, and with rising wrath, she was about to recall her act, when her eyes met the dark scowl of the old lady, and yielding to the force of habit, she remained quiet. Now, Becky's conduct, harsh as it seemed, was altogether caused by excessive anxiety for her niece's interest, and she was to the full extent as honest as she was crabbed. She felt her respon- sibility as the only surviving adult relative of her brother, and as a sort of natural guardian of both the heiress and her estate, a position which she was by no means desirous of retaining any longer than the welfare of Gertrude required it. Her only hope of relief from her self-imposed duties, was in getting Gertrude married to some " stiddy, sober man." But on this point she had M morbid anxiety even greater than that which related to the pro- perty, for she was in constant trepidation lest the heiress should fall a victim to some needy fortune-hunter, in Which class she ranked all suitors who did not follow the plough, and wear home- spun. She even went so far as to question more than one pre- THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 27 suming beau as to his intentions, and one timid young man, who had been a whole month accumulating courage enough to make a first call upon Gertrude, was so frightened by the fierce manner in which aunt Becky asked him what he wanted, that he only stammered out something about having got into the wrong house, and retreated without once seeing the object of his hopes. Strangely enough, too, although Getty knew her aunt's conduct in this instance, and her general asperity towards gentleman visitors, she did not seem to resent it, or to be rendered at all uuhappy by it— nay she was even suspected of rejoicing at so easy a mode of escaping the persecution of lovers. She was unwilling, however, ^ that the imputation of inhospitality or impoliteness should rest upon her family, and on this point she remonstrated with the duenna. " Let the mollyhacks stay at home, then," said Becky ; ** what business have they to come here sparking ? Let them stay at home then, and when we want them we will send for them." The visit of the Vrails caused her some annoyance, for she knew that their father had died nearly insolvent, and they were what she called " broad-cloth beaux." But neither of them could yet be regarded as a suitor, and the old dame kept quiet in regard to them as long as there was no repetition of»their offence. CHAPTER IV. A-BRUPT PROPOSALS " What has come over you Getty, that you have been singing all the time for these two days, up-stairs and down — hey ?" said Becky to her niece, in the afternoon of the second day after the visit which has been spoken of. " O, nothing, aunt Becky," replied Gertrude, hesitatingly ; " I often sing like that, do not I ?" " Not often, I hope. I have counted these stitches over these three times, and every time your ring-tee-iddity has made me for- get how many there are." The dame's tone was severe, and as Getty spied the old scowl taking shape on her forehead, she retreated to her own room to sing away the remainder of the evening by herself. On the mor- row, also, her heart seemed equally light, and snatches of old songs were escaping all day from her lips, making every room and closet vocal as she flitted through them on various house hold duties. Now and then a growl responded to some of these chirpings, silencing themYor a while, only to break forth in some other quarter of the house more merrily than ever. As evening drew nigh; her merriment gradually subsided, and she with drew to her own apartment in a more thoughtful and pensive mood — not long, however, to remain unsought. Her heart beat quickly when, listening, she heard the voice of a visitor below, and far quicker when a servant girl came up and THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 29 informed her that Mr. Vrail was in the parlor, and wished to see her. Startled, but not surprised, with a fluttering heart and flushed face, she flew to the glass to add the last touch to the sim- ple adornments of her person, and although far from being vain, she could not forbear contemplating for a moment with compla- cency the sweet picture reflected by the faithful mirror. She waited a little while for her agitation to subside : for with that rapid breath and heightened color, and something very like a tear glistening in her eye, she was unwilling to meet her visitor ; but, while she waited, she received another and more urgent sum- mons. " You had better come down. Miss Gertrude," said the girl, who seemed to guess that her young mistress was expecting a not un- welcome visitor ; " you had better come down, for your aunt Becky is getting ready to go in and see the gentleman." This announcement did not have a tendency to allay Miss Van Kleeck's excitement, but it hastened her movements, and in a few moments she was at the parlor door, which she entered trem- blingly, and not the less beautiful for her fright. Her step had been agile, but she stopped as if spell-bound just within the doorway, seemingly unable to comprehend or reply to the very civil " Good evening," with which she was addressed by Mr. Thomas Vrail. The changed expression of her countenance, so radiant on enter- ing, so amazed and saddened now, did not fail to attract the notice of that young gentleman, who, sagely attributing it to the awe in- spired by his presence, at once condescendingly resolved to reas- sure the heart of his charmer by his suavity. But, although Getty recovered herself so far as to say " Good evening," and, after another considerable pause, to ask her visitor to sit down, and then to sit down herself on the farthest edge of the chair most remote from her companion, she did not seem easily reassured. Tom said it was a pleasant evening, and Getty said " Yes," very very faintly. 50 THE PRISONEE OF THE BOEDER. Then Tom said it was a beautiful walk from his house to Miss Van Kleeck's, and Getty again answered with a monosyllable, but this time a little more distinctly. "A very delightful walk,'' reiterated the suitor; "and one which I hope I shall have the pleasure of taking frequently.'' Miss Van Kleeck, thinking it necessary to say something in re- ply, and entirely failing to comprehend the drift of the remark, " hoped so too." Tom now felt himself to be getting along fast — nay, with very railroad speed, so he ventured to draw his seat a little nearer to Getty, to her manifest trepidation, for her eyes turned quickly toward the door, and she seemed to be contemplating flight. But it was one of Tom's maxims to strike while the iron is hot, and if he had been so well convinced of having made a favorable impression on the evening of his first visit, he felt doubly sure now, after the new encouragement he had received. " I may be a little hasty, Miss Van Kleeck," he said, again slightly lessening his distance from her, " but I have had the pre- sumption to imagine that I — that you — that I " " Please not to come any nearer," said Getty, hastily, as her sui- tor's chair exhibited still farther sinofs of locomotion. " Ah ! certainly not, if you wish it," replied the lover, very blandly ; " I mean, not at present ; but allow me to hope that the time will come, when you — when I — that is to say when both of us" Tom stopped, for Gertrude had risen and taken a step toward the door, with much appearance of agitation. " I fear you do not understand me," he said. " I fear I do," she replied quickly and sensibly ; " althouo-h it is rather your manner than your words which express your meanino-.'' *' Stay, then, and be assured that I am quite in earnest." " I do not question your sincerity, Mr. Vrail "— " That I have come to offer you this hand," he continued, extend* THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 31 ing a very clean one, which bore evident marks of recent scruli bing for its present service, but which the heiress exhibited no haste to- accept. She had attained sufficient proximity to the door to feel cer- tain that her retreat could not be cut off, and her self-possession having in some degree returned, she listened respectfully and replied politely, although with a tone of sadness. " I will spare you any further avowal of your feelings, Mr. Yrail," she began. " Do not think of such a thing, dear Gertrude," he replied, still unawakened from his hallucination. " I am proud to make pro- fession of my love for you.'^ " Will you listen to me a moment before I go V^ " An hour ! a week ! nay, forever !" " I shall not detain you a minute." " I assure you I am in no hurry." "/<2m. You are laboring under a mistake. We are nearly strangers to each other, and you have scarcely the right to address me in the way you have done ; but if it were otherwise, I have only to answer by declining your offer," she said, glancing at the hand and arm which had remained projecting like a pump-handle all this while, with the evident expectation on the part of Thomas, whose whole attitude was quite theatrical, that it was speedily to be seized and clung to. He now began to look astonished and alarmed, but he immedi- ately rallied. " Oh, I see how it is," he said ; " I have been rather abrupt, I dare say ; but we will become better acquainted. I will call often to see you, and then — why. Miss Van Kleeck — don't go .^" Getty had now become angry ; she left the room and her aston- ished lover, but paused a moment outside the door, and said, with a very pretty flush on her cheek, and a very bright sparkling in her eye — *' Call as often as you choose, Mr. Vrail, but T shall never seo 32 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. you. You do not seem to understand the plainest words, but 1 assure you we shall never be better acquainted with each other than we are now. Good evening." So saying, Getty almost ran out of the outer room, shutting the door after her with a haste that gave it quite the character of a slam, and hurried up to her own apartment. Tom's panoply of conceit, which was almost invulnerable, and which had withstood so much, only now gave way. " I really believe she means to refuse me," said he, soliloquizing ; "it is very ridiculous — but perhaps she may come back. I will wait a little." He did wait some minutes, listening earnestly, and was at length gratified by the sound of approaching steps, which he advanced to meet with great alacrity. But what was his consternation on encountering at the door the wrinkled and vinegary countenance of Dame Becky, whose huge spectacles, as she stood confronting him a moment in silence, glowered upon him like the eyes of the great horned owl. The lover retreated a step before this apparition. ^'' Do you want Getty ?''^ she said, at length, in a voice amazingly shrill and sharp. " I — yes, I should be happy to see her for a few moments, if — if you please." " But do you want her — do you want to marry her P she asked, in still more of a scolding tone. " Oh — ah — yes, madam," said Tom, attempting to win the old woman by a fine speech ; " I am exceedingly proud to call myself an admirer of your beautiful niece, and I have indulged the hope that we might find our tastes congenial, and our hearts sympathe- tic. May I count, my dear madam, on your influence with Miss Gertrude?" " No, you canH, and more than that, you can't have her. Sc no more of that. You are the third this week." " Good gracious ! the third what^ ma'am ?" THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 33 " No matter what. You can't have her — you understand — don't you?" " Y — ^ye3," said Tom, " I suppose I do." " Very well, then — no offence meant," said aunt Becky, now trying to modify what might seem harsh in her language by a stroke of politeness, but still speaking in the same high key ; " won't you sit down ?" " No I thank you," muttered Tom, now decidedly crestfallen ; " I rather think it is time for me to go." " Good night, then," said Becky, following him to the door as close as if he had been a burglar. " Tahe care of the dog /" " The deuce !" said Tom to himself, clutching his cane, as he "walked off the stoop ; *' is there a dog to be shunned too ? I shouldn't wonder if they should set him on me !" and he quickened his step down the lane that led to the highway, and was soon out of sight of the old farm-house, without even turning to take a last look at the solitary light which gleamed like a beacon from Getty's room — alas ! no beacon of hope for him. Q* CHAPTER V. H THE ELOQUENT EMISSARY. Tom had kept his own counsel, and although his greatly changed demeanor, and the fact that there was no repetition of his visit to Miss Van Kleeck, excited Harry's suspicions, he could not fully believe either that his brother had been rejected, or that he had abandoned his matrimonial views. But much as he had tried to wish for the suitor's success, he had been unable really to do so, and when the latter, fearful of the imputation which his silence would fasten upon him, condescended to define his position, it was greatly to Harry's relief, although not much to his enlightenment. " I'll tell you what," said Tom, " I didn't like Getty as well the second time I saw her ; I hardly think she'll do for me. Then that old dragon that guards her is a horrid old creature. I rather think I won't be hasty about it. At all events, I will wait awhile." Harry thought all this true, for he could not suspect his brother of falsehood, and he imputed his mistaken opinion of Gertrude entirely to a want of sufficient acquaintance with her. How truly he knew her to be worthy of the most exalted love ! But he made little reply, and the subject was soon willingly dropped by both parties. Their business affairs, in the meantime, did not mend. The younger brother soon grew as chimerical and visionary as ever in searching for short roads to fortune, but without the least idea of seeking her where she frequents most, in the beaten highway of 84 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 35 patient arid plodding toil. It was about this time that Tom re- turned home one day from his office, where his occupation was aC'nything but study, and sought out his brother with an appearance of much excitement. " Now, Harry," said he, " the time has really come for decision and action — such an opportunity as offers but once in a man's lifetime. My most sanguine hopes bid fair to be realized." " Why, what is it now, Tom ?" " A great chance ! While we are dreaming away our time here, others are up and doing in one of the greatest enterprises of the age. I have had a long interview, this afternoon, with a Col. Allen, of Canada, who is to stop here two days, to form a 'Hunt- er's Lodge,' and I am going to become a member. He says as I am the first volunteer, and am a man of — of note, as he was pleased to say, I shall be in a condition for immediate advance- ment and a commission." " Why, what in the name of the seven wonders are you talking about ?" asked Harry, laying down his flute, and gazing earnestly at his brother. " Who is Col. Allen, and what is a hunter's lodge?" " Surely you cannot be so ignorant as not to know about the hunters, Harry? You must have read about them in the papers." " Oh — ah ! — those meddlesome fellows that are trying to get up a revolution in Canada. I remember now, they call themselves hunters." " Trying to get up a revolution ! No, sir ; the revolution is already begun, and is rapidly progressing, and in every town on the northern frontier, secret clubs are forming of those who wish to aid, either by personal service or by money, in the cause of freedom. Col. Allen says that the youth and chivalry of the whole nation are ready to rise, and win for themselves just such honors in Canada as Lafayette, and Kosciusko, and other great men. achieved in our Revolution." 36 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. " Besides lots of prize-money, I suppose," said Harry, laughing quietly. " Yes ; General Mackenzie, who is at the head of the provisional government, has issued a proclamation, offering three hundred acres of land, and a hundred dollars in specie, to every private ; and as to commissioned officers " " General Mackenzie at the head of the provisional government I "Why, Tom, Mackenzie is in Michigan, a refugee and an outlaw, with a price on his head, and all his own property confiscated." " No matter for that ! There was a price on Washington's head, too, wasn't there ! What hurt did it do ? Mackenzie is to be the Washington of Canada, its deliverer and its future Presi- dent." " But I thought this agitation was subsiding, since the insurgents at home, or the patriots, as you call them, and their sympathizers here, had met with so many and such constant reverses. Surely, blood enough has been spilt in such a hopeless cause." " Subsiding ! Col. Allen says it is but just begun ; he says that the burning of the ' Caroline' has lit up a flame in every quarter of the land — that meetings are being everywhere held, and that millions of money are already subscribed for the cause. Did not you read of the great meeting in New York last week ?" " Yes, I believe I saw something about it — but I did not pa} much attention to it. It is, at all events, certain that our govern- ment has heretofore, and will continue to use all means to enforce neutrality, and to prevent American citizens from invading a country with which we are at peace." "Very true. But government can't prevent sympathy, and private assistance with money, such as we gave to Greece and Poland — nor can it prevent our citizens from quietly leaving the country, and when they are out of it, joining any standard they choose. That's what the colonel says, and every lawyer knows it's true." THE PKISONER OF THE BORDER. 37 " It may be true," said Harry, taking down his flute ; " but I should require more evidence than I have ever seen, either that the Canadian pec^le are greatly oppressed, or that they desire a revolu- tion, or that they will turn out to help those who go over to help them, before I should be sympathizer or subscriber — much less a hunter, as you call it. It may suit the purpose of a few agitators, both there and here, to get up a rebellion in the name of a suffer- ing people, who are very quietly minding their own business at home, and have no remote intention of committing high treason." " But if the people are trampled down, and blinded . by their tyrannical rulers " " Let them remain so, until they have spirit enough and sense enough to rise, as our ancestors did in "75, and then, if they can show the world even half as just a cause as we did, they will not lack help. The youth and chivalry of the whole nation would rise in such a cause uninvoked, excepting by the clash of arms in the cause of freedom ; armies would start up at a hundred points along our frontiers, like the Highland legion at the whistle of Eoderick Dhu ; they would pour into the arena impetuous as the mountain torrents, and as resistless as the tornado which strews forests in its path." " Why, Harry," said Tom, who had listened with gradually dis- tending eyes, " you grow eloquent. You must come with me to- night and join the club — you must, indeed. Col. Allen will convince you that the very time you describe is at hand. You ought to hear him talk on this subject, for I have not told you half of what he said." " You must excuse me — I have not the least curiosity on the subject." " I cannot excuse you — I shall certainly take you along." Tom understood the passive and yielding nature of his compa- nion too well to doubt his ability to carry the point with him, nOr was he disappointed. The brothers went to the meeting, and not a 88 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. few of the young men of the village were influenced by theii example to do the same, while many already favorably predisposed to the cause, responded to the call without solicitation, and awaited eagerly an opportunity of expressing their sympathy for the Canadians. Few, indeed, of the large number in attendance enter- tained the remotest idea of engaging personally in the anticipated war, yet there were some, like the younger Vrail, of military tastes, who hoped to find it an easy avenue to fame and fortune. No secrecy was observed in this primary meeting, at which its originator did not intend to say or do anything which could infringe the neutrality laws — but out of the elements present, it was his design to form a lodge or secret club, to whom the most daring projects of the agitators could be proposed, and from whom could be expected a quota of men for actual service in the field. The emissary who had convened this assemblage was a man fully competent to play his part in the important drama in which he was engaged. He was a dark-complexioned man, apparently of about fifty years, with a countenance indicative of great intelli- gence and sagacity, and it was with an air so serious, a voice so musical, and words so apt and fitting that he began his address, that he could not fail to enlist the earnest attention of all, and at once to inspire them with an interest in his subject. He spoke briefly of the history of the Canadas, of the long standing griev- ances of the people of the lower province, and of the more recent, but not less severe oppression of their more western brethren. He recited the most glowing parts of that celebrated appeal issued by the leading reformers of Upper Canada, which bears through- out such a striking resemblance to our own Declaration of Inde- pendence, and which in frequent instances adopts its exact languao-e to complain of the same wrongs. He spoke of the premature outbreak which ensued shortly after the publication of this document, and which, but for some errone- THE PKISONER OF THE BORDER. 39 ous counsels which thwarted the plans of the valiant Mackenzie, must have led to an immediate and successful issue. How the revolutionary spirit, ripe in both provinces, had been kindled into a hundred distinct, but unfortunately never united flames — how a dozen successive insurrections had been suc- cessively defeated by government — and how hundreds of brave men had been dragged to prison and to the gallows, while a still larger number had sought refuge in this Asylum of Freedom — he described in language bold, graphic and startling. He next painted the efforts which were making by these refugees in this country, to enlist the friends of Freedom in their cause, while the throbbing heart of the whole Canadian nation, he said, was anxiously and ardently awaiting the advent of their deliverers. *' Let but an American army cross the frontiers," he said, " and their first bugle blast will be to the disheartened millions of the North, what the voice of the prophet was to the dry bones in the valley of vision — they will rise and stand upon their feet, an exceeding great army. They will rush to your standard from a thousand points. There will be but one blow to strike, and the chains will drop from the manacled form of Liberty, never again to be replaced. Who would not share in this glorious enterprise of liberating an oppressed and generous people from the shackles of tyranny ; of creating another independent Kepublic to rank as a power among the nations of the earth? Strong as is your government, Americans ! deeply as it is rooted in the affections of twenty millions of brave people, it is not beyond receiving an accession of strength from the influence and co-operation of a sis- ter Republic springiag up at its side. Canada is destined to be free. The event is a fixed and certain one in the womb of the future, and the only question that remains is one of time. Shall it be now ? Now, when oppression has filled to the brim her cup of bitterness — now^ when tens of thousands, both here and there, are already armed in her cause — now^ when all America is sympa- 40 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. thizing with her suflferings, and encouraging her struggles ? Or shall this golden opportunity, so filled with all the elements of sue cess, be lost, and another cycle of darkness be reserved for my beloved country ?" The great earnestness of the orator, and his impassioned style of speaking, as he proceeded at considerable length to enforce his appeals, were not without a marked effect upon his audience. He was frequently interrupted by applause, and sometimes by loud and long-continued cheers, and at the close of his remarks he was surrounded by a crowd of young men, who remained, in compli- ance with his intimation that he intended to organize a secret soci- ety, or lodge, composed of all who were willing in any way to aid in the cause. The younger Vrail, of course, was of this number, and he made a strong effort, seconded by the Canadian, to induce his brother to follow his example — for Harry, although not convinced, had been moved by the stranger's eloquence. " You do not commit yourself in anything excepting sympathy and secrecy," said the orator, " by becoming a member of the lodge. You will still be as free to decline assisting the cause as you now are — but those who join and give the required pledge of secresy will learn much more of the cause and its prospects than I am at liberty to communicate publicly." Harry's yielding nature gave way as usual to the importunity of his brother, and the young men, together with many of their associates, soon found themselves transformed into *' Hunters," fully supplied with all the secret signs and passwords with which to recognize all others of the fraternity, in whatever quarter of the two countries they might chance to meet. CHAPTER VI. A DARK COMPACT. Enthusiastic, ambitious and vain, Thomas Vrail was fully resolved from the outset to accept the tempting offer of a commis- sion in the patriot army, which the emissary was empowered to offer him, many nominations of the kind having been placed at his disposal by those who had assumed command of the provi- sional government of the provinces. He exhibited the fullest credentials from his superiors, who evi- dently placed great confidence in his tact and discretion, and who were as liberal in the bestowal of their chimerical honors, as in the distribution of the yet un conquered soil which they were about to invade. He was, of course, instructed to offer these higher prizes only to the educated and influential classes, to whom the private's pay and bounty could not be expected to prove a suflScient induce- ment to enlist. . Of course, the majority of these appointments, although confer- ring rank from their date, were entirely prospective, as far as related to the command bestowed upon the various officers. Col- onels of regiments yet unraised, and captains of companies still unformed, awaited with ardor the hour when, stepping upon Can- adian soil, they should behold the eager hosts which they were to lead to battle and to victory, and they were content, meanwhile, to perform the duty of privates in the first movements of the inva- sion. a 42 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. Col. Allen, after much secret instruction to his new allies, left them on the ensuing day, to pursue his mission in other quarters, promising to visit them again within a fortnight, and to give due notice of the time and place of rendezvous to such of them as should determine to engage personally in the cause. The intervening period was devoted by the younger Vrail to the most incessant efforts to induce Harry to accompany him to the field. The infection and sympathy was spreading more and more rapidly throughout the country, and Tom brought daily to his bro- ther reports of fresh accessions to the ranks, and new accounts both of the sufferings of the Canadian people, and of the extent and progress of the insurrection. " Beacons," he said, " are placed on a hundred hills, ready to be fired the moment that the invading army lands, and these are to be the signals for a simultaneous rising throughout the country." Harry did not lack courage, and his heart was full of generous eelings for the oppressed, but his scruples were not entirely over- come. But he knew that Tom could not be dissuaded from his own purpose, and his extreme solicitude for his safety in so perilous an enterprise went further towards deciding his movements than all other influences combined. He resolved to go for Tom's sake — that he might watch over his welfare, and keep him from unne- cessary dangers. It would be so very dreadful, he thought, if any- thing should happen to Tom, while his own fate seemed of com- T)aratively trifling moment. Such was Harry's nature, and such is the nature of many whom the world decry as wanting in energy and force of character. When Allen returned, a lieutenant's commission was easily obtained for the new recruit, although, if he had chosen to make terms, he might easily have procured a higher rank, but he took, of course, what his brother chose to ask, and Allen to bestow. It THE PEISONEB OF THE BORDER. 43 was true Tom was a captain, but what was that to Harry but a source of pleasure ? He did not doubt that the latter would become a major-general if the patriots succeeded. The returned emissary assembled his lodge, and informed them with much excitement, and with many injunctions of secrecy and caution, that the time and place of attack were fully decided upon. The frontier village of Oswego, he said, was the place of rendez- vous for a large part of the recruits, where they were to repair quietly and without arms, which would be provided in due time. They were not to go in numbers of more than three or four together, nor were they publicly to discuss the object of their expe- dition, lest they might subject themselves to arrest and detention by their own government, which, he said, was taking sides with tyranny against the rights of man. Having imparted these instruc- tions to the neophytes, together with such other information as was necessary for their guidance, he departed northward, to visit other clubs, and give them like notice of the time of the intended invasion. Secret as had been the proceedings of the lodge, its existence and object, and even the names of the volunteers for service in the field, were generally known throughout the village. True, they were rather whispered than openly proclaimed, and it was said, not that such and such an one had enlisted for the war, but that he had become a hunter. This plan was universal and was every- where understood. Officers of the United States government were not obliged to understand it unless they chose to do so, and Mr. Deputy Marshal Stone never dreamed of knowing what it meant, when used among his own neighbors and acquaintances. If people chose to go north in search of game, which had become very scarce at home, it was no business of his. But he caused it to be understood that they must not go to the chase with military ac- coutrements, or with the accompaniments of drum and fife, or he should be obliged to suspect them of other designs. Tn short, 44 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. there was a very good understanding between the deputy and his fellow-citizens, upon whose favor he counted for assistance in ob- taining a renewal of his ter'm of oflSce. Old Guert Rosevelt made no serious opposition to the designs of his grandsons, which he very imperfectly understood, but he had great confidence in the good sense of the elder, and he was so impatient of the long idleness of both, that he was glad of any change which gave them occupation and even a remote prospect of success. But there was another quarter in which the tidings of Harry VraiPs changing fortunes were received with more interest, and were contemplated with more anxiety. Although Gertrude Van Kleeck had long tried to convince herself that she cared little or nothing for her old associate and visitor, she could not repress the fears which continually arose in her mind for his safety, now that he was about to engage in a war of which the theatre was distant ' and the issue very uncertain. True, he was only a friend, and would never be anything more to her, but she felt that it would be very dreadful if anything serious should happen to him. Yet not for the world would she have him or any one else know that she felt this solicitude in his behalf, and the necessity of so closely locking her emotions within her own breast rendered them doubly oppressive. Again and again she reverted to the subject, only to feel her utter impotency to plan or do anything which should counteract Harry's anticipated movement. She reflected upon the great wealth of which she was the mistress, and thought how freely she would be willing to dispense of it, if there was any way by which she could avert from her friend what seemed to her so verv pressing and imminent a danger. She continued to receive tidings from day to day, through various members of her household, in relation to a subject which, of course, formed a large part of the current gossip of the neigh- borhood, but her principal reliance for information was upon a THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 45 negro servant, named Abram, but more usually called Brom, who was almost daily sent to the village on domestic errands. At times, indeed, Gertrude invented little wants, which aunt Becky thought superfluous and extravagant, for the purpose of dispatch- ing Brom to the village store, to bring back his accustomed budget of intelligence. She seldom, indeed, questioned him herself in relation to the news, but she usually contrived to be busy in the kitchen on his return, and thus to hear what he_ was quite sure to relate to his fellow-servants in regard to the exciting topic of the day. Now, Brom had become not a little attached to Harry Vrail in former days, having often obtained permission to accompany him in his fishing and hunting expeditions, and he frequently expressed his regret that Master Harry had ceased for the past year to pay his. accustomed visits to the Van Kleeck woods and streams, Of this sable individual a few words of description may not be amiss. He was a man about thirty years of age, who had lived from infancy in the family of Gertrude's father, having been a slave until the general emancipation of 1826. Since that time he had received wages as a hired servant, or rather he had them placed to his account, for Brom never " took up " anything more than was required for his yearly suit of linsey-woolsey, the remain- der of his stipend remaining in his employer's hands. Notwithstanding his freedom, he was in spirit as much a slave as ever, and he possessed that strong attachment for his master's family which characterizes his race, and which is, alas, so often sadly requited. But Brom was a light-hearted, merry fellow, whose humble condition seemed fully compensated for by a perpetual freedom from cares and anxieties. Everything was food for Brom's mirth, and almost everything was food for his mouth. His appetite and his spirits were equally unflagging. It was while listening to one of the negro's daily reports in rela- 46 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. tion to the village recruits, in which he always spoke particularly of "Massa Harry," that the idea occurred to the anxious Gertrude of furnishing her friend with a body-guard in the person of this very African, who manifested so much interest in his welfare. Startled and relieved by the thought, she hastily retired to her room to reflect on the means of carrying it into execution ; but this was a task not easily performed with that entire secrecy which was essential to her design. She sent at once for the negro, and after questioning him a little more in relation to the tidings which he had brought, she said to him : " Brom, you have always been a good servant, and my father ever placed great confidence in you. I think I can do the same." Brom grinned widely as he replied — " Yes, Miss Getty, you can trust Brora sartin." " But can I trust you in a very important matter, far more im- portant than any which you were ever engaged in, and one which requires both courage and secrecy ?" The negro remained silent for a moment and seemed greatly surprised, but at the next instant his large eyes flashed with the earnest spirit of his reply. ** Yes, Miss Getty, you can trust Brom in anything,^'' " Are you willing to go to the war with Mr. Vrail as his servant ?" " With Massa Harry ! To the war with Massa Harry ! Yes, I is willing. Missis Getty 1 Dat I is — if you and Missis Becky will let me go." " You are a free man, Brom, and can do what you choose." " I will never go without your consent. Besides, I want to come home when the war is over, and Missis Becky wouldn't let me do that if I should run away." " But / am mistress now," replied Gertrude, with a very pretty air of command, which she had never before been able to assume, but which the exigency of her position rendered necessary. '' Aunt Becky has nothing to say about it." THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 47 " Aunt Becky nothing to say, hey ? l)on't you believe it ! She has a mighty great deal to say about everything," replied the negro hastily. " Well, well,'' answered Gertrude, laughing, " she must be allowed to talk, but you understand that I am the mistress in this house and on this farm — that it is all mine. Don't you under- stand that, Brom ?" " Y-e-s," said Brom, hesitatingly — " but Missis Becky " " Never mind Missis Becky." Brom looked hastily over his shoulder to make sure that the object of his dread was not within hearing of this treasonous speech. " And if you choose to go away, you shall be allowed to come back here whenever you wish on exactly the same footing as before, and I will furnish you with plenty of money for the journey ; but you will have to enlist as a soldier. What do you say ?" Are you afraid ?" she continued, as the negro seemed to hesitate in reply- ing. " Golly, no ! I isn't afraid of the war — but — Missis — Becky" — The young lady impatiently interrupted him, and, by dint of much argument, succeeded in allaying his deeply implanted fears in rela- tion to the one sole object of his terror, and when this disenthrall- ment was completed, there was no limit to the exuberance of th( negro's joy at the prospect before him. " As I said, you will have to enlist as a soldier." " List ? Oh yes, I'll do that, sartin ; and then I'll get three hun- dred acres of land after we've drove the Canaders all out." " You must not think of that. You may get it or not, and it will probably be worth very little if you do. But remember that you go as Master Harry's servant^ and that I will pay you liberally for all your time and danger. You will be a soldier it is true, and must do your duty as such ; but remember, that you are a volunteer, and that vqu must enlist on the express condition that you are 48 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. always to fight at Master Harry's side, and that you are always to be quartered near him, and where you can wait upon him. You are to be within his call at all times of night and day. You are to watch over him in battle, and be always ready to help him when he needs help. If he is wounded (here Gertrude's voice trembled) you are to carry him off the field ; and if he is taken prisoner, you are to go with him. Will you do all this ?" " Yes, Missis, I sartingly, will." " Will you swear to do it ?" " Yes, on all the Bibles in the house." ** But there is yet another thing. Neither he nor any one else must ever know anything of this arrangement between you and me. You are a free man, you wish to enlist as a soldier, but you wish to go with your old friend, Master Harry. All this is true, is it not «" ** All berry true." " As to the rest, you must not say a word to anybody. You must not even tell Mr. Vrail that you are to be his servant, nor must you ask any wages of him ; but you are to do everything for him you possibly can." Brom was sagacious and discreet. He was easily made to com- prehend everything in relation to his young mistress' views except two things. He did not comprehend her reason for secrecy, nor how he was to avoid the wrath of his ancient enemy. Mistress Becky. But he faithfully promised compliance with all the instructions of Gertrude, which she repeated many times over to him, and impressed on his mind with indelible distinctness. Be- fore he left the room he knew his whole role by heart, and he pro- ceeded at once to business, making his boldest strike first, and the one which he dreaded far more than all the rest. Before the day was over, he gave Miss Becky notice that he was about to quit the service of the family, and was going to the war, and then he stood patiently for half an hour, and bore the expected torrent of invec- THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. ' 49 tive which his announcement elicited, merely repeating at its close his firi^t remark. " You shall do no such thing, you black Mollyhack, you. You sha^n't go ! So just go about your work, and let me hear no more about this nonsense. You sha'n't stir a step, I say. Now, then." '' I must go^ Missis Becky." " What for must you, then ? I should like to know that, now — hey !" she said, in the very altissimo of scolding keys. *^ I must gor " You shall not ! You sha'n't have a cent of money ; and if you do go you shall never come back. You know very well that Baltus would never have let you go on such a wild goose chase as this, and neither will I." ** I am a free man. Missis Becky," said Brom, trembling from head to foot with the violence of the effort to make so bold an assertion, '* and I sartingly shall go." So saying, Brom turned away and walked off to the barn, fol- lowed by a rattling volley of words, which came less and less distinctly to his ear until the interposing door of his place of refuge^shut out the fearful sounds. Dame Becky, after scolding for some time at the empty air, went grumbling into the house, and sought out her niece, whom she informed of the servant's audacious design,, which intelligence Getty, to her great surprise, received with much coolness, assur- ing her that she already knew Brom's wishes on this point, and had consented to his going. There was something in the air of the young lady as she made this remark which impressed the aunt with a sense of her niece's authoritv, and it was with some abatement of tone that she lemonstrated against the project. Getty heard her through and replied with composure — '* As I said before, aunt, my mind is made up to let Brom go, 3 60 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. and I desire that he may be allowed to go in peace, and without further reproof." ** Hoity, toity !" exclaimed the old woman in a subdued tone, turning away from her niece ; " these are new airs ! Well, let him go then to the old scratch, as he most assuredly will ; but he shall never darken these doors again." " He has my permission to return here whenever he chooses." ** Oh, has he indeed ? Pretty management this is ! Perhaps you do not know that all Brom's wages for the last ten years are unpaid, and that he holds your father's note for a great part of it, with interest, and that if he goes away it has all got to be paidP The last word was shot out from between the dame's thin lips with much force, and with an air of no little spitefulncss. " I know all about it," replied the niece. " I do not think it is Brom's intention to take up any part of his money yet ; but if it is, I am able to pay him without diflSculty." The aunt, after a little subdued grumbling, left the room, and" retired to her own department in no amiable mood, and greatly wondering at the change which had suddenly taken place in her niece. CHAPTER VII. HARRY AND GERTRUDE. HalRry Trail was not a little astonished when, on the third day prior to his departure for the seat of war, his old acquaintance Brom called upon him in a state of great excitement, and request- ed to be allowed to enlist as a soldier and accompany him to the field. To the young man's inquiries the negro replied that he was going to quit bis old home, and that he was free to go where he chose, and he chose to go with Massa Harry to Canada. Harry was delighted with this unexpected proof of attachment in his old companion, and also with the prospect of having always so powerful a friend and auxiliary at his side, and after ascertain- ing that the negro's mind was fully decided upon going, he assured him that he would arrange everything pertaining to his enlistment, and said he had no doubt that he could so manage matters that their positions should at all times be near each other. Brom could not restrain his ecstasy at the success of his suit. "I'll take care of your koss^ Massa Harry," he said, "and brush your clothes, and — and" "Thank you, Brom. I am not certain that I shall have a horse to take care of, and I fear I shall have but little money to pay for services of any kind." " Never mind the money, Massa Harry. I don't want any money. Missis Becky has got eight hundred dollars of Brom's now laid up for when I get to be an old man." 61 52 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. The negro could not long divest himself of the idea that Dame Becky was the chief representative of his old master. " Has she indeed ? You are a very fortunate fellow then and I think you had much better stay at home. You can buy yourself a small farm with that sura, and run no risk of getting shot." The negro was impatient at this advice, and .would not listen to it a moment. " Very well then, Brom," said the young man, " you may go if you wish, and I have no doubt you will make a very good sol- dier." " May I take care of your horse ?" repeated the negro earnestly. " Most certainly, if I have one, you may take care of him, and if you like you may call yourself my servant when you are off duty, and in that way we can always be near each other, and I will pay you for whatever services I require of you." " Never mind the pay ;" reiterated Brom, *' we'll see about that when you get to be a gineral or govner of Canada ; but mind and tell Colonel Allen that I is your servant." The negro next inquired, pursuant to Miss Van Kleeck's instruc- tion, how much money he would need for his equipment and tra- velling expenses, and then hastened home to inform the delighted Gertrude of the result of his mission. The young lady now found it necessary to take another step in the road to domestic authority, by resuming the custody of that part of her property which remained in her father^s " strong box" at home, where a considerable sum in gold and silver was stored away, with the family plate. It required some courage to renew the contest for supremacy with her aunt, but animated by the im- portance of the cause in which she was engaged, she struck for freedom, and after a long and hotly contested battle of words, the old dame flung down the keys in a rage, and retreated to the kitchen, growling deeply in Low Dutch, a language to which she always resorted when much excited. THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 53 Getty flew to the box, which had so long been interdicted to her, and took from it the sum which Mr. Vrail had named as neces- sary for the negro's expenses, and in addition thereto a consider- able sum in the smallest kind of gold pieces. This last amount, she told Brom, he must take with him to use in any emergency, either of his own or of his master, and that he must conceal it in some way securely in his clothes, and let no one know that he possessed it. Brom chuckled greatly, and promised implicit obedience. " How tnuch will that leave me. Missis Getty, in there V^ he said, nodding towards the box, which he supposed to contain an immense treasure, including his own dues. ** It will leave you all that you had before, Brom. This does not come out of your money by any means." " Golly ! Missis, are you .going to give Brom all that mo- ney" "And more, if necessary. Only be perfectly faithful and dis- creet, and remember all that I have so often told you about — about" " Taking good care of Massa Harry ?" asked the negro, grin- ning. " Yes," said Getty, slightly coloring. " I will sartingly remember." " And be sure never to say or hint anything to him about my sending you to the war, or furnishing you with money, or any- thing of that kind." " I will be sartin, sure." Gertrude thought with some trepidation, that Harry might possibly call to bid farewell to her aunt and herself before quitting the country, and such, indeed had been his design for some days past, during which he had frequently requested his brother to accompany him there. But Tom objected. "It would be quite a waste of civility," he said, "upon old Miss 64 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. Van Kleeck, who would as likely as not send for a United States officer to arrest us ; and as to Getty, I have really quite relinquished my designs upon her." Harry hesitated awhile, but at length he resolved to go alone. Common politeness required it from one who had so long been an acquaintance of the family, and he was besides anxious to make sure that he was not contravening the wishes of Miss Van Kleeck by encouraging Brom's military aspirations. It was on a cool evening, early in November, that Mr. Vrail found himself seated in the pleasant parlor of the Van Kleeck man- sion, awaiting the entrance of Gertrude. A glowing fire of wood blazed and crackled upon the hearth, and without the aid of the two candles, which burned almost unobserved in tall silver candlesticks upon the mantel, fully lighted the large room, and was reflected back from every side by the highly polished surfaces of the old- fashioned solid mahogany furniture. Everything was scrupulously clean. The ceiling was dazzlingly white, the carpet seemed guilt- less of dust and lint, and the sofa, drawn out corner-wise to the fire, had a most tempting air of comfort and repose, while the tall brass andirons and fender shone as only Dutch servants can induce brass to shine. The hearth, indeed, and its accessories, were the crowning specimens of Flemish neatness. The very ashes seemed to have been taught the duty of falling within certain prescribed limits, while a very clean brush hung in the chimney corner ready for quick service in driving back any intrusive flakes. When Getty entered the room, it was with an air of much em- barrassment, and even alarm, and although she shook hands with Harry, and replied to his questions after her health, her agitation gave the appearance of anything but cordiality to the reception. But Harry did not expect much of a welcome, and he was not disappointed at this. If it had been Tom, he thought, and he had chosen to make himself agreeable, how differently Getty would have acted, and he could not help thinking, as his eyes were riveted THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 55 upon the really beautiful face which was before him, yet partly averted from him, how very strange it was that Tom should think of going to the war. Gertrude had seated herself upon the sofa, and her visitor sat down in a chair at some distance from her; and after he had inquired about her health, and the health of aunt Becky, there was an awkward silence, which it seemed impossible for either party to break. Harry spoke, at length. "I am about leaving home for an absence of uncertain dura- tion,'^ he said, ** and I have called to say good-bye to yourself and your aunt." Getty immediately rose and pulled the bell-cord which dangled over the mantel, and then reseating herself, replied that she had heard of Mr. VraiPs intended absence. When she had directed a servant girl, who answered her summons, to request her aunt's presence in the parlor, she felt reassured by the expected arrival, and found courage to say something more. "Rumor says that you are going far, and on a dangerous errand. I suppose I must not inquire whether this is true?" "It is true," replied Harry, smiling, "although I do not say so publicly; but the cause in which I am about to engage, is one which, after much reflection, I have been convinced is a just one, and fully worthy of the sympathies and assistance of Ameri- cans. I may be mistaken, but if at any time I should see cause to change my views, before it is too late to retract, I shall undoubt- edly do so." " I know very little of the cause,'' replied Gertrude, " but I fear — I would say, I suppose — there must be more than the usual perils of war attending it." "It may be so; I have not counted the danger closely, for although I lay claim to no unusual courage, my life has hereto- fore been one of such dull inaction, that even danger is not with 56 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. out its charms for me. I confess I do not think, with Thomas and Col. Allen, that our entrance into, and progress through Canada, is to be merely a triumphal march.'' '' If that expectation is generally encouraged, it may lead many to join the ranks of the patriots who would prove but feeble assistants in the hour of battle." " Very true." '*May I ask if there are many going from this neighbor- hood?" ** Only six besides my brother and myself, and one of these, you may be surprised to learn, is your former servant, Brom. Part of my errand here to-night is to inquire if you approve of his going — or, rather, to learn if you had any objections to it." Getty rose, and adjusted some ornaments on the mantel-piece, and while doing so, if Harry had thought to steal a side glance at her face, he would have seen that it was deeply suffused with blushes as she replied, " Brom has the entire right to control his own movements, and I have not the least objection to his gping." " He is a powerful fellow, and knows no fear, and will undoubt- edly make a very good soldier." " Will he be in your company ?" " If I should have a company, he undoubtedly will. He has already elected me his captain, and I have promised him that he shall, at all events, be near me. If there is" "Excuse me for interrupting you — but I hear aunt Rebecca, and it may be better not to speak on the subject before her. You know she is peculiar in her views." Harry had only time to thank his fair companion for her cau- tion, when the door opened, and Dame Becky entered, and advanced in a hurried way to the middle of the room, where she stopped. " I could not come before, Getty, and I can't stay now,'* she said THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 57 " the apples are not half pared or strung yet. How do you do, Mr. Vrail ? Do you want anything in particular of me ?" And the dame lowered her head, and looked sharply at him over the black rim of her spectacles. "I have only called to say good-bye to yourself and your niece, Miss Van Kleeck," replied Harry, who had risen on her entrance and remained standing ; " I am about leaving home." " Oh, yes ! I have heard that you were going away — a pretty sort of wild goose chase it is, too, that you are going on. There's Brom, too — he must go. I hope it is not you that has been and 'ticed him into it." " Aunt Becky ! for shame P exclaimed Gertrude, coloring scar, let. " When I seek to make proselytes for the cause," replied Harry smiling good-naturedly, " it will probably not be among his class." " Well, no offence. I am sorry that you are sich a" "Aunt Becky!" " Well, no matter — good-bye — I must go back to my apples. Getty, see to the fire, and — and the front door, and you had better come and help us as soon as you can " — and the old woman depart- ed as unceremoniously as she had entered. Mortified beyond expression at her aunt^s rudeness, Getty knew not what to say ; but Harry did not seem to notice it, nor did he ofi:er to resume his seat. " My aunt is very, — inconsiderate," said Miss Yan Kleeck, hesi- tatingly. " Do not allow her remarks to hurry your departure." " Certainly not. I ought not easily to take offence in a house where I have received so many hospitalities," replied the visitor, in a voice rendered mournful by the retrospect of departed joys. Getty's eye glanced at the portrait of her father hanging against the wall, and she would not reject a compliment which belonged rather to her deceased parent than herself. 3* 68 ' THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. ** I believe mj father always thought your visits a great favor,** she said. " He was quite an original thinker, then," replied the young man, with a quiet smile. " I know but very few of that way of thinking." Getty now looked mournful in turn, and Harry immediately thought what a monster he was to speak so frivolously when her father was the subject of conversation. He added, quickly, " He was a most kind-hearted and amiable man, and I have every reason to cherish his memory with regard. But I am detaining you from your aunt — good-bye." Getty gave her hand, but it was utterly impossible for 'her to speak — her eyes were full of tears, which Harry, blind to the last, believed to be caused solely by the renewal of her filial grief. And so they parted. CHAPTER VIII. BARAK, THE AGITATOR. Of Captain and Lieutenant Vrail's journey to the North, it is not necessary particularly to speak. The few recruits from H did not all leave town together, nor of course, with any degree of parade, which could distinguish them as men bound on a military expedition. The brothers were accompanied by Brom, who was allowed an outside seat upon the stage-coach, in company with the driver, with whom, in his frequent stoppings at the village, the negro had long before become acquainted. He knew well, too, every member of the strong, and glossy team which pranced and curveted beneath the lash of his com- panion, having often assisted in giving them water in front of the village inn, at a time when he little dreamed of ever arriving at so distinguished an honor as riding behind them on a journey to Albany. A happy man was Brom, and so exuberant were his spirits that he had frequently to repeat to himself a caution which Harry had impressed upon his mind, to say nothing on the subject of his journey, although, if he had been disposed to be communicative, he could have told the coachman very little which he did not already know, either about his new passengers, or the errand upon which they were bound. He sounded the negro at times, indeed, for his own amusement, when the latter would look very grave, and shake his head, and say that he was travelling for his health. 60 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. " The truth is/' said Brom, with a merry twinkle of his eyes, " I have been very much confined for the last thirty years " (he had never been ten miles from the place of his birth), "and I don't think it agrees with me, so Fm going to try travelling." " You are not very pale, Brora." " Yhah ! yhah ! yhah ! no, Fse got some color left — ^j^hah ! yha^ !" '' But ain't you really afraid, now," asked the other, sinking his voice Into a confidential whisper ; " ain't you afraid of going to Canada to fight the red-coats ?" " You jes mind your own business, and give that ofi" leader there another clip — see how he lags. Ef you don't look sharp, I'll go and ride inside with the rest of the gemmen." One of the places of rendezvous for the attack now in contempla- tion, by those in command, was Oswego and its vicinity and the point of intended entrance into Canada was near the village of Prescott, on the St. Lawrence river, where Fort Wellington, well garrisoned by the British, was to be the first object of assault. Our travellers were supplied, as has been said, with all the requi- site signs and passwords with which to recognize their fellow "hunters," wherever they might meet them.; but these signals became scarcely necessary as they drew near the place of embark- ation, so general and so wide-spread among all classes was the sentiment in favor of the pending movement. Still, in all the large towns through which the various recruits passed, it was necessary to avoid any open avowal of their destination, if they would have the connivance of the officers of the Federal government, many of whom were willing to wink at the oflfenders, as far as their own oflScial safety would possibly permit. Numerous secret agents were on duty at Syracuse, and other prominent points on the Western Railroad vigilantly watching all the arrivals at the public houses, and secretly applying a test question to all whose destination was northward, which, if compre- THE PEISOKER OF THE BOEDER. . 61 bended, at once placed them on a footing that admitted of giving information in regard to the best mode of advancing to Oswego. Several canal boats had been chartered, and vv^ere lying in the basin at the first named village, ready to start for the lake-port which is only thirty miles distant. They were of the class of freight vessels usually called " line-boats,^' and were capable of carrying several hundred persons each, in a manner little calcula- ted to attract attention in the emigrating season, when almost every westward bound craft was thronged with human beings. Indeed in so cool a month as November, the voyagers could remain entirely concealed, if they chose, beneath the high decks which extended almost the whole length of the boat. This mode of travel was compulsory upon none, and was designed chiefly for the humbler class of recruits, who were glad to avail themselves of the cheapest mode of progress. The Vrails, after consulting with several emissaries of the cause at Syracuse, resolved to proceed^by stage-coach to Oswego, and they received minute instructions as to the hotel at which they should stop, where they would be certain to find themselves at once in communication with the leaders of the expedition. Harry concluded to retain Brom in his company, a step which Thomas the more readily acceded to, as it gave the brothers the appearance of travelling with a servant, a degree of state to which the young captain was far from feeling indifferent. At the moment of starting they were joined by a man of very Yankee-like aspect, whose appearance was indicative of much shrewdness, and who was introduced to them as a reliable and in- fluential member of the war party. Mr. Barak Jones, indeed, according to his own account, as narrated to his fellow passengers before he had been ten minutes in their company, was a very mighty hunter, indeed, and one who had already rendered most important aid to the patriot cause. " May I ask what rank you hold in the service ?" inquired Harry, 62 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. after listening for a long time to the vaunts of his new compan- ion. " Well, 1 am not exactly in the army," replied Jones, " though I shall probably accept a commission soon. You see I am an agitator. I have been travelling through the country forming clubs, and making speeches, and inducing people to enlist. There are more'n forty of my men now at Syracuse, waitin' for the boats." " Ab !" replied Harry, *' you must have had some influence." " Yes, sir, although I say it myself, I don't think there's a man that has done more, onless praps it's Col. Allen, who bein' a colo- nel on the start, natrally had more influence." " Do you know this Col. Allen ?" " Like a book, sir ; a brave man he is, too, and no more afraid of the Britishers than of bo many mosquitoes; a right down brave man is Col. Allen, sir. He is going over." ^^OverT exclaimed Harry, who thought the word sounded like desertion. " What do you mean ?" " Why, over the lines, sir. He's going to fight, I presume he is at Oswego now ?" " Well, are not you going over ?" * ' " Why, I don't know that I shall yw5^ y^^," said the other, hesi- tatingly, " as my services may be more valuable on this side. I rather think they want me to keep agitatin'." " But it will certainly have a better effect upon these men whom you have induced to enlist, if they see you with them in the field." " Y-e-e-s, praps it would, but they think I am going ; and, as I said before, I intend to go one of these days, you know. Bless you, sir, there's no fear but what there will be enough. The whole country is rising, sir, and all Canada is ready to rise and shake off its shackles the very moment that our flag floats from the battle- ments of Fort Wellington. Yes, sir, let us but strike one bold blow, and " Harry saw that his companion had now evidently fallen into THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. > 63 one of his set speeches, and, not caring to hear it through, he in- terrupted him by asking what colors it was proposed to plant on Fort Wellington. " The tri-color, sir. That is the flag under which the patriots fight, who, you see, are chiefly of French descent. By-and-by we shall probably join the stars and stripes with it." " Where is Mackenzie now ?'' ^^ The f/reat Mackenzie !" echoed Jones, enthusiastically. " Well, sir, I must confess I don't exactly know. He may be at Oswego, possibly at Ogdensburg, but wherever he is, you may be certain he is not idle. He is moving the machinery, sir ; he is moving the machinery." " Undoubtedly, but I am sorry he is not to command this expe- dition in person." " No, sir. Generals B and E , as you, of course, are aware, are to be your leaders, assisted by Colonel Van Shoultz." ** Who is this Col. Van Schoultz, of whom so much has been said ?" This question was answered by another passenger, a middle- aged, gentlemanly man, who had remained silent until now, and of whom Harry knew nothing, excepting that, like all present, he belonged to the secret fraternity. ^ " He will be to us, we hope, what Kosciusko was to our fore- fathers in the days of the revolution. Like him, Van Shoultz is a Polander, who has fought for his own country until she has ceased to exist as a nation, and has since sought a refuge and home in America. He is a man of talent and education, and promptly volunteered his services in a cause so similar to that of his own suf- fering land." " I have not been able to learn what command the famous Bill Johnson is to have in this affair. It seems to me, that man is more to be relied on than any of these untried officers." *' The commodore will be on hand with some of his immediate 64 THE PRISONER OF THE Bv^BDEE. followers ; but I believe be is not ambitious of any rank. His great desire is to see tbe blow effectually struck, and be is willing tbat the honors should be divided in advance among those to whom they will be an inducement to action. He will be sure to win his laurels in the field.'' " He is a remarkable man, and should have some coaimand, which w^ould make his influence and example greater upon the soldiers. There is not a more popular man engaged in the cause than this Hero of the Thousand Isles, as he is called." " He is a most brave, determined, resolute fellow ; there is no doubt of that. A man for whose capture two great nations are ofifering large rewards must be of some consequence." " Yes, I am sorry that our Government should seek his arrest ; though I suppose he would have little cause to dread such an event after all, any further than as an interruption to his designs." " Bless you, no sir," replied Barak, " that proclamation is only for show, and to keep 'em quiet over in England. Government don't want him caught by any means, although they would of course have to pay a reward for him, and shut him up a while for infringe ing the neutrality laws." " Nothing is more certain than that they would not deliver him up to the British." " You may well say that P'' exclaimed Jones, with flashing eyes. "The Government that undertook such a thing wouldn't he a government three days. The thing could not possibly he done, 1 should jest like to see the United-States Marshal backed, if you please, by a regiment of soldiers, undertaking to carry Bill John- son to Canada to give him up to the British. Why, sir, the whole country would rise to rescue him." ** I do not doubt it, nor is there any danger of such an attempt : but if the Commodore should be captured on the other side, his fate is, of course, sealed." " Yes, sir, he'd swing, beyond a peradventure." THE PEI80NER OF THE BOEDER. 65 It was on the afternoon of the 4th of November that the tra- vellers arrived at Oswego, where, under the pilotage of Mr. Jones, they readily found the hotel to which they had been directed, and which was situated somewhat remote from the central part of the village. The house, however, was thronged with guests, the most of whom were quiet, sedate-looking people, and not a few were evidently gentlemen. Many little coteries of three or four indivi- duals were assembled in various parts of the piazza and of the adjacent grounds, engaged in animated, but by no means boister- ous conversation. Of these a considerable number gathered around the stage coach as it drew up to the inn, and watched the alight- ing of the passengers with much appearance of interest. Jones was instantly recognized and hailed by several, to whom, much to the surprise of the brothers, he instantly and openly introduced them as Captain and Lieutenant Vrail. ** There^s no need of any secrecy here^'' he added, in explanation to them — " these are all picked men, one may say." " And marked men too," said the landlord, a fat, bustling and very jovial man, who superintended the unloading of the bag- gage ^ his new guests. " We are marked men, all on us, ha 1 ha !" The young men found themselves treated with much considera- tion, and were promised that, in the evening, they would have an opportunity of an introduction to the commander of the expedi- tion, and several other of the leaders, including Colonel Yan Shoultz. They did not fail to observe that a large number of the individuals present were addressed by titles indicative of the rank of commissioned officers ; but Captain Vrail was disposed to regard this as an evidence of the magnitude of the movement, and he did not doubt that there would still be a deficiency rather than surplus of officers, when once they had made a successful stand on Canadian soil. In the evening the Vrails, together with several other gentle- men who had arrived during the day, were introduced to the com- 66 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER mander, General B ,toColonelE , the second in command, and to Colonel Van Shoultz. The former was a man of somewhat pompous manners ; but, apparently brave, and very confident of suc- cess in the great undertaking which he had in hand. He received the new comers with great cordiality, and addressed them briefly on the subject of the enterprise, which he said was destined to prove the most important political movement the world had seen in the present century, and which could not fail to cover its actors with J^ glory. Col. E . also was a man whose appearance gave promise of acting a brilliant part in the coming struggle : but neither of the principal officers impressed Harry so favorably as the young Polander, Colonel Van Shoultz, whose grave and manly air, and firm, resolute expression, contrasted favorably, at such a moment, with the more flippant deportment of his superiors. He was about thirty years of age, and both spoke and under- stood the English language with tolerable accuracy, and although apparently reserved in his general intercourse with those about him, he seemed disposed to attach himself to Harry almost from the first moment of their introduction. This feeling was fully recipro- cated on the part of Lieutenant Vrail, and the young men passed much of their time in each other's company during their stay at Oswego. CHAPTER IX. THEMIDNIGHTARMY. On the eighth of November, all things being in readiness, it was resolved, at a council of the leaders of the expedition, to dispatch an express to Syracuse, with orders for the immediate embarka- tion of the recruits, who were in waiting at that rendezvous. Two schooners, chartered by the invaders, were lying at anchor in the Oswego harbor, awaiting orders ; and when the canal boats, two days later, arrived by way of the Oswego canal, it was an easy matter, under cover of the night, to transfer their living freight to the larger vessels, which immediately moved out of the harbor, and made sail in a northerly direction, filled with armed men. With the exception of a small number of officers, however, who were placed on board the schooners, the party at Oswego did not embark in these vessels, but remained until the afternoon of the next day in that village, and then when the steamboat United States was ready to sail on a regular trip for Ogdensburg, they took passage in her as ordinary travellers* The sudden appearance of so many men almost at the moment of the starting of the steamboat, excited no little surprise ; but coming from different quarters of the town, being unarmed and deporting themselves with strict propriety, and in no respect like an organized company, there was no excuse for denying them the ordinary right of travellers, whatever suspicion may have been ex- cited in regard to them. er 68 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. "They look at me very close," said Colonel Van fehoultz whose foreign and military air excited much attention. "I thought that large gentleman, whom you call United States — what?" • " Marshal," said Harry. "Marshal — I thought he was going to invite me to go on shore with him. Ah ! I should not like that," added the Poland- er, breathing freer at the thoughts of his narrow escape and of the endangered loss of his military glory. They were safe out of the harbor when this conversation took place, and the young men continued at intervals to discuss the prospects of the opening campaign, as, seated upon the deck they glided down the lake, and watched the various objects -of interest which presented themselves to view. " Do you know the number of our present force ?" asked Vrail. " Not precisely. We' count our men by hundreds as yet I believe ; but it is said that we are to receive large accessions at Sackett's Harbor and Ogdensburgh. If we should not, however, I doubt not our present force is sufficient for the slightly gar- risoned fort we are to attack. Our true strength lies in the dis- affection of the Canadian people towards their government, and in the great popularity of our cause in your States. One success you perceive, must bring many thousands to our standard from both sides of the frontiers." " Of course — and success at an early period becomes conse- quently of most vital importance to the cause. Doubtless our leaders will neglect no precautions to render the contemplated blow effectual." '' Our arms and military stores are ample, our officers and men are brave and enthusiastic — I see no obstacles. I have known a European Stkte revolutionized by a fewer men and less brave than those engaged in this enterprise." THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 69 " I was slow to be convinced," said Harry, " that the quarrel between the Canadian people and their government was such as to justify the interference of our citizens, but I believe that when tyranny and oppression become manifest and manifold, its victims are legitimate objects of interest and aid for the whole human family. Such seems to me the present case, and, unless we are strangely deceived, the voice of the mass of our northern brethren is calling upon us for the assistance which we are about to offer them. It becomes, then, a sort of holy crusade, in which the patriot and the philanthropist may engage with ardor, satisfied that whatever may be his individual fate, the wise and good will everywhere approve his conduct." This conversation was carried on under some restraint, for the colloquists well knew that they were objects of suspicion to the commander of the boat, who was greatly alarmed lest his involun- tary agency in transporting patriot troops should render his vessel liable to seizure. " Tell you what, gentlemen," he said to Vrail and Van Shoultz, stepping in front of them, in the midst of the dialogue, which was conducted in a mysterious half whisper, " I don't want to know anything of your affairs, but if you are * hunters' please keep as quiet as possible until my boat is clear of you. IVe washed my hands of this affair from the beginning, and yet it seem as if I were destined to be mixed in it some way, in spite of all I can do. Vrail and Van Shoultz politely promised not to say or do any- thing which could give offence. Later in the day, the brothers were surprised to discover among the passengers their stage-coach companion, Mr. Barak Jones, who they supposed had remained at Oswego. " Ah ! gentlemen, Fm glad to see you," said Jones, approaching them with an air of boldness and enthusiasm ; " the ball is roll- ing now, isn't it ? The blow will soon be struck — the great — the c?e-cisive — the victorious blow." 70 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. Impressed by his courageous deportment, for which quality he had not before given him much credit, Harry replied, " I am happy to see you so sanguine of success Mr. Jones." " Sanguine I oh, yes, sir — I have uo fears of the result, sir — not I. The whole country is rising, sir, and let us but once plant our flag on the battlements of" " Yes, but when did you change your mind about accompany- ing us to the field ?" " Oh, bless you, sir, Pm not going over,^'' replied Jones with great coolness ; "I am only going to Ogdensburgh, to address a meeting to-morrow." " Oh — ah — yes, I see." " You know, the fact is, I can't be spared." " I suppose not..' " But do you see those two schooners about half a mile ahead of us ? The wind has failed them, and they are dropping slowly down with the current." '* Can they be our vessels ?" asked Harry, in a whisper. "They ain't anything else," replied Jones also in a low voice ; " and although you can't see more than two or three people on board either of them, they are chock full of armed men. Col. Smith is in command there, and I reckon I know what he is after now." " What is that ?" " He means to get towed down by our innocent captain here, who is already scared half out of his wits, lest he should be suspected of aiding the patriots, and thus should have his boat seized." Mr. Jones' calculations did not prove incorrect. As the United States drew near, and was about to pass the schooners, the usual signal was given from the deck of each vessel, by some one person- ating the character of master, that they desired to be taken in tow As this was a part, and a profitable part, of the ordinary business of THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 71 the steamboat, it was complied with, without other questions than as to the destination and freight of the weather bound vessels. We are going to Ogdensburgh, and we are both loaded with flour," was the reply. The steamer passed between them, and one being secured to either side, she continued her course down the lake, with no ma- terial diminution of her speed. Jones and his companions watched their movements with great interest. *' Do you see that little fellow with the boatman's ragged coat on, and with a jammed hat ?" said Barak ; "he stands just along- side of the helmsman, on that oflf schooner here ?" " Yes — a Scaramouch of a fellow." " That's Colonel Smith — a wide-awake fellow, as you'll see tx>- morrow. He is disguised now, of course." "He had better stay below — he may be recognized." " No ; he has something to say to us, you may depend. I shouldn't wonder if he should come aboard^" But Col. Smith manifested no such immediate design, but con- tented himself with walking the deck of his vessel, apparently much engaged in whittling a pine stick, yet losing no opportunities of observation of the steamboat's passengers. No signs, however, were exchanged, and no communication passed during daylight, but as the day drew to a close, the officers came on deck, and sauntered, as if by accident, to that side of the steamboat nearest the disguised colonel, who, soon after dark, joined them without difficulty. The coolness of the evening had driven most of the passengers below, and there was no difficulty in finding a letired spot where their conversation would be private. Their deliberations resulted in a determination to continue their present course down the lake and its outlet, the St. Lawrence river, until they arrived near Ogdensburg, and then, after transfer- ring to the schooners all that portion of the party who were pas- 72 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. sengers on the steamboat, to part summarily with that vessel, and pursue quietly the small remainder of their voyage without its aid. This plan was carried into effect. Smith returned to his vessel, and Gen. B caused his whispered orders to be circulated among his party, to hold themselves in readiness to go on board the schooners at the shortest notice. It was not, indeed, expected to carry out this measure without detection by the officers and crew of the United States, but they cared not, when once their object was accomplished, how soon their unwilling allies should discover the nature of the trick which had been played upon them. " It will serve them right, the shilly-shally fellows, who are afraid to help such a cause as ours," said Jones ; ** I only hope their boat will be seized in the first port it enters, for bringing us so far on our way." It was, perhaps, at his instance, that it was resolved, on ap- proaching the place of intended separation, to summon the men with fife and drum, and depart with all the parade and eclat which their straitened quarters would admit of. Great therefore, was the consternation of Captain B., and great the amazement of his unsuspecting passengers, when they were awakened from the sound sleep of a later hour than midnight, by the loud reveilU upon deck, and by the hurried tread of those who had awaited the signal in their berths, and who now hastened to obey the summons. Rushing upon deck, and vainly seeking to gain an explanation of the turmoil which surrounded him, and as vainly exerting his authority to suppress it, the discomfited captain, whose angry shouts were drowned by the music and by the loud tones of mili- tary command, resigned himself to his fate, and waited with what patience he could summon, to see the upshot of so strange an affair. Still unsuspecting the character of the two schooners at his THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 73 side, he became impressed with the idea that his boat had been seized, and was about to be pressed into the service of the invaders of Canada, (a feat which would have been by no means difficult to perform,) but he was soon relieved from this apprehension, by the sudden departure of the midnight army over the sides of his vessel. Turning his eyes for the first time toward the schooners, he discovered, by the dim starlight, that their decks were crowded with men, who had emerged from the cabins and holds, and whose numbers seemed scarcely to afford room for the additional forces who were joining them. As soon as the last of Gen. B party had left the steam- boat, he gave orders to detach the schooners from their fasten- ings. Dropping silently down the stream with no propulsion save that of the current, the invading party found themselves at day- light between the villages of Ogdensburgh and Prescott, the former being a republican, and the latter a royal town, situated, vis-a- vis^ upon opposing shores of the St. Lawrence. Here it was their misfortune to get into shoal water, and one of the vessels be- came stranded, an event which, for a while, threatened the most disastrous consequences to the expedition. CHAPTER X. THE INVASION. Both towns, of course, became at once the scene of the utmost excitement — for it was evident to all that Fort Wellington was the point of attack, and thousands of people thronged the shores upon either side of the river, anxious to witness so momentous an event and rife with conjectures as to its issue. On the American side, however, all were not idle spectators. Captain B., of the United States, had taken the first opportunity of washing his hands of guilt, by stopping at Morristown, and giv- ing notice to the authorities of the movement in which he had been made to play so important, yet so unwilling a part, and an express had been dispatched by land to Ogdcnsburgh, in order that measures might be taken there to intercept the schooners, or at least to prevent their receiving accessions to their numbers. This precaution had operated very differently from the design of its originators. No sooner had the United States reached her wharf at Ogdensburgh, where she arrived soon after the express, than a multitude of people rushed with loud shouts on board, took forcible possession of her, and started out to the relief of the grounded vessel. This movement was met by a corresponding one from the watchful citizens of Prescott, at whose wharves a steamboat was also lying. The Experiment (such was her name) had either been armed in anticipation of an attack, or was tem- T4 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 75 porarily supplied with a piece of ordnance from the town, with which she greeted the American steamer several times, a compli- ment which the latter was unfortunately unable to return, nor could she, on account of the shallowness of the water, get near enough to the disabled vessel to render effectual assistance. But she passed down the river about a mile, to Windmill Point, on the Canadian side, where the other schooner had preceded her, which latter vessel, after landing her forces, returned to attempt to take off the men from her grounded consort. The United States accompanied, and covered the schooner from the fire of the Experiment, which followed both at a prudent dis- tance ; but in the meantime, the excited populace on the American side were preparing other help for the invaders. A small steam ferry-boat, which plied between Prescott and Ogdensburgh, well- manned, and provided with small arms, was sent out to the relief of the stationary schooner, which she succeeded in hauling oj9r, under a brisk fire from the Experiment, returning the salute with muskets and rifles, at the expense of seven lives to the enemy. The United States, meanwhile, returned to Windmill Point, landed between one and two hundred of her men, and, with a small remainder, returned to Ogdensburgh, where she was surrendered to her owners, and, to the signal dismay of her neutral captain, was immediately afterwards seized by the government. Among those who had been most forward in this initiatory step of the war, whose courage and skill had been most conspicuous, who had seemed everywhere present at once, who had animated and inspired all hearts with his own enthusiasm, was the hero of the thousand isles, William Johnson. He bad now returned in the United States, and proceeded to earnestly harangue the populace, urging and beseeching them to go with him, and join the few hundreds who had already effected a landing on the other side. He succeeded in inducing some, at diff'erent times in the course of the day, to cross with him in the schooners, but rumors of a most 76 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. extraordinary defection from the little army, in the persons of their principal leaders, began to prevail, carrying dismay to the hearts of all the active friends of the cause. B and E had re-crossed, like the brave Johnson, to Ogdensburgh with the design, or pretence, of urging the large number of patriots assembled there to cross and join their com- rades, but the former of these individuals was either taken suddenly ill, or feigned illness, and both proved inaccessible to their friends on reaching the American shore. They either departed, or remain- ed concealed, leaving the brave Van Shoultz alone to conduct their perilous enterprise, with little chance of farther accessions from the American shore, and deprived even of a large portion of the military stores which had been prepared for the expedition. The little band of invaders, meanwhile, unconscious that they were deserted, and expecting hourly the return of the schooners, with their leaders and their allies, proceeded to strengthen their position at Windmill Point, and to prepare for the coming con- test. They took possession of the Windmill, and of several other large stone buildings, and awaited with sanguine expectation, not only the approach of their American friends, but the accession of that coming niultitude of Canadian patriots, whom they believed to be hastening to their standard. When the desertion of two of their leaders, and the loss of a large portion of their stores, became known, they were saddened indeed, but by no means in despair. The greater, they thought, would be the honor of the Spartan few who maintained their proud position, and became the rallying point of a nation's oppressed and uprising masses. Colonel Van Shoultz proved equal to his responsible position ; he had officers and men of indomitable courage around him, and his gallant ally, Johnson, seemed in himself a host, so great was the influence of his name and of his dauntless demeanor. But it is time to speak more in detail of the immediate subjects THE PRISONER OF THE BOEDER. 77 of our narrative, whose fortunes were so intimately connected with the events of the war. Harry Vrail's intimacy with Colonel Van Shoultz had resulted in keeping both himself and his brother near that officer while on board the vessel, and with him they had been among the first to set foot on the enemy's shore. When the Po. lander found himself chief in command, he consulted his young friend frequently in his movements, and he would gladly have ele- vated him to a position near himself in authority, if he had been able to do so, but he did not feel at liberty to disturb the settled orders of rank in his little band. In the division of forces, the Vrails became attached to a party under the command of Col. Allen, which was stationed in a stone store-house, that, like the Windmill, served to some extent the purpose of a fort, and Brom, to his great delight, found himself in no danger of a separation from his chosen master. But there was another member of the invading army who found less cause for exultation. Barak Jones had made some mistake in regard to his expected o'pportunity for leaving the schooner and landing at Ogdensburgh and to his great dismay he found himself on British soil, in company with the men whom his eager persuasions had induced to enlist. He would have returned when B and ' E went back, but he had been so terrified while on board the United States, by the pursuit of the Experiment, and by the can- nonading from that vessel, that he did not dare to attempt to re- cross while she was lying in the river, waiting to renew the attack. There were other opportunities for escape on the first day, in the schooner with which Commodore Johnson crossed several times, bringing over recruits, but here the danger was equally great, and was magnified tenfold by his fears. Yet he would have run the risk of returning, in preference to remaining, if he had not been induced to believe, probably by some of his proselytes, who despised his pusillanimity and wished to detain him, that there would be a chance to cross in the schooner at night, when dark- 78 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. ness would shield it from any serious attack. That opportunity of course, did not come, and Barak, more dead than alive, remain- ed in the camp, not in any recognized military capacity, nor directly attached to any division of the troops, but selecting his quarters with those whom he thought most safely stationed, and most remote from the danger of a first attack. Thomas VraiPs ardor for the war had considerably cooled, and he chafed not a little at serving merely as a private, while carry- ing a captain's commission in his pocket. Yet he continued san- guine of soon seeing himself at the head of a valiant company, and one of the laurelled victors in the great revolution at hand. Harry, although more skeptical, was not without similar hopes. He knew well that the spirit of rebellion extended far and wide throughout the Canadas, and he could not doubt the information which had come from so many seemingly authentic sources, that the people had already flocked by myriads to the standard of re- volt. Rumors of approaching armies began to reach them, almost from the moment they touched Canadian feoil, and they were hourly excited and tantalized by these fallacious tidings. In the mean- time, the provincial government was not idle. If the friends of the patriots were tardy, theii- enemies were not. The garrison was increasing at Fort Wellington, troops were pouring into Pres- cott, and armed vessels made their appearance in the river. Everything, indeed, indicated that the enemy were not going to await an attack from the invaders, but that they were about to take the initiative step in the approaching hostilities. Harry Vrail's judgment was too clear to overlook the perilous position in which his comrades and himself were placed. He saw how disastrous must be the result, if their landing should prove to, be premature, and if they should fail to effect a speedy junction with the insurgent forces of the provinces. Very valorous he knew their little army to be, but he was not visionary enough to expect that, few as they were, and imperfectly provided with mill- THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 79 iry stores, they could maintain themselves against the tenfold »brce which would speedily be brought against them, and which, if insufficient, could easily be increased yet tenfold more. But Harry did not quail. He had chosen his part, perhaps mis- takingly, but he was a man in the broadest acceptation of that sig- nificant word. He was prepared to do his full duty to the cause which he had espoused, and to endure whatever destiny it might entail upon him. If he saw the danger, he did not proclaim it ; his voice and mien was everywhere that of the courageous and ardent soldier, who, if he did not achieve, would at least deserve success. He knew that help might come in time to save them, and he acted like one who believed it would. To Colonel Van Shoultz alone, in their most private consultations, did he disclose his full views, and in the mind of that brave, but discreet man, he found them fully reflected. / CHAPTER XI. THE BATTLE OF WINDMILL POINT, The invaders were not left long in suspense as totlie designs of the enemy. Early in the morning after their arrival, a cannonade was opened upon them, which was returned with spirit by their battery upon the shore, and at " about eight o'clock," says an eye- witness, " a line of fire blazed along the summit of the hill in the rear of the windmill, for about eighty or a hundred rods, and the crack of the rifle and the musket made one continuous roar." This, however, was but the prelude to a more serious attack, which was made by a body of five or six hundred regulars and volunteers, when all the courage and mettle of the little band were in requisi- tion to meet the determined assault of the foe. Well and bravely did they vindicate their claims to courage in a hotly contested battle of about an hour's duration, which resulted in driving back the enemy to their fort with large loss, while only five of their own men were killed, and about thrice that number wounded. This striking success, of course, produced the most exhilarating effect upon the patriots, who congratulated themselves upon their triumph with ecstasy, and indulged in a proud presentiment of increasing numbers, and a career of victory. The tidings would reach the interior in a few hours, and summon thousands of the doubtful and the undecided to their side. It would reach the States stiW quicker, flashing hope, like electric light, through all 80 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 81 ranks of their timid friends, and bringing multitudes, eager for the fray, to their victorious banners. Such were the bright hopes and anticipations of the invaders on the second evening of their encampment on foreign soil. Both the Vrails had acquitted themselves creditably in this engagement, but Harry's coolness and activity had won the espe- cial encomiums of his comrades and his commanding officer. His perfect presence of mind, and his dauntless demeanor, had produced a marked effect upon others, especially upon the inferior soldiers, which contributed greatly to the fortunate result of the day, and he became at once exceedingly popular. Brom, also, won his laurels, acting his part not only with perfect intrepidity, but with a glee which, although unsuited to so serious an hour, had its effect in inspiriting others who might have been inclined to fright in this, their first experience of war. He stood at his master's side, loading and firing with great regularity and rapidity, and keeping up an undertone of ludicrous comment, which more than once elicited an audible laugh from his nearest companions. " Now youVe got it !" he would say, as he fired off his piece, and watched for a second to try to distinguish its effects upon the opposing ranks ; " tink I saw him drop that time P he muttered, as he proceeded to ram down another cartridge. " ISTow for another red-coat ! Golly, if it ain't just like shootin' the Christmas turkeys with their red-heads. Jingo 1" he shouted, as a ball passed, whistling, close to his head, " but the turkeys are shootin' back 1" The succeeding day was one of inaction. The intimidated enemy did not renew the attack, and the invaders, who might now be called the besieged party, while holding themselves in readi- ness for a vigorous repulse of any assault, looked all day long, anxiously and earnestly, for their anticipated succors. Every vessel upon the river, however distant, was closely scanned, and many longing eyes were fastened upon the American shores, 4* 82 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. which were plainly visible from the camp, with the hope of seeing some signs of their approaching auxiliaries. Others watched the highways which led into the heart of the invaded province, confi- dent of the bannered hosts which were soon to emerge from dis- tant forests, and advance with defiant tread, timed to the martial airs of freedom. Alas ! they did not come. The day waned, the sun went down, and all was doubt, uncertainty and irresolution as to the morrow. " One thing is sure," said Colonel Van Shoultz, to Lieutenant Vrail, on the evening of that day of dread suspense ; " although we may not receive reinforcements, the enemy certainly will, and pro- bably by to-morrow, at the farthest." " Ours may yet come," replied Harry ; " indeed, our friends from the other side would be most likely to cross in the night, when they could most safely effect a landing." " It is possible, but I am learning not to hope too much. After witnessing desertion in the highest quarters, aiid faint hearts where the loudest boasts of valor have been made, it is natural rather to fear than hope. This night may diminish rather than increase our numbers." " There is little chance for desertion. The ferry at Prescott is, of course, strictly watched, and we have no sm.all boats, excepting Johnson's, which he has carefully secured. You do not fear that he will fly r " He will fly when this fort does," replied Van Shoultz, looking around at the stone walls of the mill. " Ah ! if all were such as he, we should have no cause of disquietude to-night." The Polander's predictions and presentiments proved alike true. The enemy were reinforced on the morrow, and the patriots were left to struggle alone against the hourly increasing numbers of a foe which threatened their utter extermination. Attacked both by land and water, cannonaded from steamboats and fjpom field batteries, they maintained the unequal struggle, Tlil^: I'KISOKER OF THE BORDER. 83 dauntlessly and hopefully, for nearly two days, still looking for the approaching banners, and listening for the charging shouts of their promised allies. On the afternoon of the second day, a large force of the enemy drew near the forts (if such they might be called), by land, and were met with a hot and galling fire from the several divisions of the patriot army, stationed in the windmill and the other stone buildings which had been fortified. It would have been madness in the bravest to have met them in the open field while such strong defences were in their possession, almost compensating for the great disparity of numbers between the belligerents. But this advantage was too great to be left long in their pos- session, if it were possible to dislodge them from their fastnesses, and it soon became evident that the British had determined to attempt to carry the forts by storm. The building in which Col. Allen's command was stationed was somewhat remote from the windmill, and was attacked, as was each of the camps, by a separate body of the enemy. The attempt to storm it was twice repelled by that valiant ofiicer and his men, who were stationed in a large apartment in the second story, ex- tending the whole depth of the building, and commanding both the lower entrances, which were strongly barricaded ; but a new calamity awaited them in the failure of their ammunition. The slackening of their fire became so necessary, and its cause so ap- parent to the enemy, that the third attempt to enter the building was sure to be successful whenever it should be made. The game was too evidently lost to admit of a moment's hope on the part of the most sanguine, and nothing remained to be done, excepting to surrender unconditionally, or to throw away their lives in an obstinate, but useless conflict. Allen was doubtless a brave man, and perhaps his own choice would have been to render " His last faint quittance with his hreath, While the sword glimmered in the grasp of death." 84 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. But he doubted his control over his little band, now thoroughly panic-stricken, nor could he make up his mind to devote so many men to immediate and certain destruction. While he hesitated, the tumult increased below, another volley of bullets poured into the windows, finding a few more victims among those who were unable to avoid a full exposure, and then, with an impetuous rush, the enemy gained the main entrance to the building, bursting down its barricades, and pouring tumult- uously into the lower hall. Their steady tramp was next he«ird by the besieged upon the very stairway of their citadel, and many a face became blanched with fear. In another moment the large door was burst open with great violence, and thirty muskets, levelled for immediate discharge, were protruding into the room, commanding every part of the apartment, while simultaneously with their appearance a demand was made, in a stentorian voice, for surrender. It was impossible longer to maintain strict discipline, and although the majority of the men preserved a soldier-like compo- sure, and awaited the, orders of their leader, there were a few others who had boasted largely of their valor when danger was distant, who now manifested the most abject and craven fear. Shri^eks and cries of " Don^t fire !'' " Yes, we surrender !" were heard from two or three of these, who were seen scrambling to get in the rear, and farthest from the expected volley. One who carried a commis- sion in his pocket, and who having always had his courage at his tongue's end, had probably allowed it to escape, was seen shrink- ing close to the wall, crouched down behind a fat private, who was too stupid to stir, or to understand that his body was serving the purpose of a shield. From this shelter he called out, in a tremulous voice, " Shall we be treated as prisoners of war, if we surrender ?" "You will be treated as you deserve," was the answer, in a^ THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 85 trumpet-like voice; "you must surrender unconditionally — you are entirely in our power." " Well, here's my musket — so don't shoot we," he said, push- ing past his protector, and stooping as he advanced to avoid dan- ger from the bristling array of guns which confronted him. In another instant he was hauled outside, and was placed under guard. His example was speedily followed by others, and for some minutes the victors were engaged in receiving the arms, and securing the persons of a portion of the patriots, while the major- ity yet awaited the reluctant orders of their leader to lay down their arms. At that critical juncture, when the enemy appeared at the door, Harry Vrail missed the faithful Brom from his side ; but so great was the confusion, and so general was the rush for self-preserva- tion, that he did not deem his disappearance a matter of surprise. But the negro had by no means deserted him — on the contrary, all his thoughts were given to devising means for his rescue Ever since he had made his solemn engagement to Gertrude to watch over and protect his master, his mind had been devising expedients to deliver him from whatever danger seemed to threaten and from the hour they had set foot together upon the enemy's soil, he had calculated the possibility of disaster, and had planned impossible modes of relief. Ever vigilant and watchful, while others were confident and careless, he had overlooked no remote or minute circumstance which an hour of extremity might render serviceable to one whom he loved so well, and whom he had sworn to befriend. His lodg- ings, for several preceding nights, had been in a dark corner of the large room in which the scenes last described were enacted, where, with several others, he had occupied the interior of a large, open bin, for a sleeping apartment. On crawling out of this strange dormitory the preceding day, he had accidently dropped his knife behind it, and it became necessary, in order to recover 86 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. Lis lost property, to move the huge chest farther from the wall against which it stood. It required great effort to do this, even with the aid of a lever, but when, having succeeded in removing it a few inches, he stooped to regain his knife, he caught sight of another metallic object beside it, which on close inspection he found to be a hinge in the floor. Further examination produced its fellow, and being convinced he had found a trap-door leading to a lower apartment, he hastily shoved back the bin, and sat down to reflect on the discovery, and the possibility of its being in some way turned to account. Circumstances, he knew, might arise which would render it in the highest degree useful to his master, but in order to make it more certainly so he believed it important to keep it secret from all others. When a more favorable oppor- tunity occurred for pursuing his investigation, he removed the bin and, raising the door, ascertained that it communicated with a small store-room beneath, from which a back window, seemingly the only one in the apartment, opened upon the river. Hastily making these observations, he replaced the door and the chest, and quietly resumed his duties. CHAPTER XII. A RECREANT BROTHER, When Harry missed the negro from his side in that moment of horror which has been described, the latter flew to the ponderous bin, which, in his excitement, he thrust aside as if it had been a basket, and standing beside it, with his watchful eye upon his master, he waited coolly for the moment when he might raise the door without detection. The confusion was momentarily increas- ing, and those who were not pressing torward to surrender, were anxiously watching both the threatening guns and the still silent lips of their leader, who hesitated to speak the painful word of submission. Brom saw that the favoring moment had come, and noiselessly raising the trap-door, he hurried back to the side of his master, whom, without addressing, he began gently to drag toward the rear of the room. " What is it, Brom ?" said Harry, in answer to the violent pan- tomime of the negro. " You need not be afraid to speak in this Babel — nobody will hear you." " Come wid me, Massa, come wid me," were all the words which the African could be induced to utter. Vrail suffered himself to be led as far as the open door, which he no sooner saw than he fully comprehended the plan of escape, and his heart leaped with sudden joy at so unexpected a hope of deliverance. But his thoughts instantaneously reverted to Tom. "Not without Tom," he exclaimed, and darting off from the spot, 87 88 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. be dashed off in pursuit of his brother, whom he had seen last at nearly the extreme opposite end of the room, and near to Col Allen. When he reached that spot, however, his brother was no longer there, and at the very moment when he was hastily search- ing for him among the crowd who were stacking their arms (for the word of submission had at last been spoken), Thomas had glid- ed around to the rear of the mass in search oi him, with no other design then that of keeping near him in their common calamity. He was met by the negro, who hastily whispered to him the chance of escape, and implored him to assist in finding Harry. ** It is death to go back," exclaimed the terrified and pusillani- mous youth ; " let us fly ; he will be sure to follow us, since he knows the way. Come, be quick." So saying, he dashed forward to the trap-door, while Brom turned back in eager pursuit of his master. His excited and nearly frenzied condition was unfavorable to the successful result of his search, and threatened momentarily to arrest attention and defeat his efforts, for that portion of the apartment nearest the door was fast filling up with the enemy. But fortunately as yet, there was a general confusion, in which the shouted orders of the leader of the victorious band, the rattling of the grounded muskets, and the groans of the wounded were the principal sounds. While Brom was thus wildly seeking for his master, the latter was as earnestly pursuing his quest for the recreant Tom, who had selfishly deserted both. Mingling in the crowd of surrendering men, and borne by the mass toward the fatal point where, with them, he must become a guarded prisoner, the gallant youth did not falter in his resolute purpose, nor once think of turning back alone to seek the means of escape. Of course his search was vain, and while closely scanning every face in the throng of which he could catch a view, his attention was arrested by some execrations behind him, bestowed apparently by different parties,'' upon some on^ who was pressing eagerly forward towards the front. THE PEISONEE OF THE BORDER. 89 " Blast the blackamoor !" said one, who could jest in his cal- amity ; " he steps on a dozen of us at once, with his elephant feet." " " Stand back, CufFy ; don^t be in such a hurry ; you'll be hung soon enough to suit you," exclaimed another. " Why don't he go and walk over the Britishers ?" said a third, whose toes had felt the heavy heel of the African ; "hang me, if I don't believe he would drive them all out in a few minutes." Harry could not doubt as to who was the subject of these remarks, and in the next moment he caught a view of Brom, who was, however, too far separated from him by the crowd, to admit of any communication passing between them. As soon, however, as he caught the negro's eye, its expression, together with some significant pantomime, convinced him that his brother was found, and he managed by great effort to commence a retrograde motion against the strong tide which had before borne him onward to a point of such dangerous proximity to the foe. Warning the saga- cious negro by a sign to go back, they both succeeded in working their way to the rear, which was as yet unguarded. " Where is he ?" whispered Vrail. *' He's gone long ago — Massa Harry — this way — come along now, I say." Astonished, bewildered, and half incredulous, the young man hesitated to advance. " It's sartin sure," repeated Brom ; '* come quick, now, or you'll be too late. See — see — there comes a lot of red coats this way." " Don't run, Brom," said Vrail, " or we are lost. Go slowly, and we may not be noticed, or it may seem as if we were only going back for something that has been forgotten." The negro obeyed, and tremblingly they succeeded in reaching the trap-door, apparently without observation. " Massa must jump so," said Brom, skillfully letting himself down by his hands, and dropping into tjie lower apartment. 90 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. Vrail followed his example, and they stood together on the lower floor. "He is not here," said Harry, glancing quickly around the room. " Brom, if you have deceived me, I will not stir a step further." " He is gone, Massa Henry, I swear it. See here," and he pointed to the raised window, through which the fugitive had doubtless passed. Convinced at length, that Tom was really out of the imme- diate scene of danger, Harry gave his mind wholly to securing the escape of himself and his faithful companion. Hastening to the window, he saw that it opened upon the river, at the distance of only a few rods from its margin, and that the shore, in that imme- diate vicinity, appeared to be entirely unguarded. The conflict, indeed, was yet waging in some parts of the encampment, as occa- sional shots and shouts were heard, and the moment certainly seemed a favorable one for successful flight. If Harry could have joined any portion of the patriots who were yet making a stand against the enemy, he would certainly have done so, but this was clearly impossible. Leaping, therefore, from the window, and calling upon Brom to follow, he hastened to the shore, with the intention of following the course of the river, and keeping close to its edge. In the opposite direction, which led toward Prescott, of course he could not flee with any prospect of escape. But he had no sooner reached the shore, than the fal- lacy of his hope to elude observation became apparent. A little way down the river, but at considerable distance from the shore, lay an armed steamboat, which had been engaged in bombarding a portion of the barracks, before the contest had become so close on land as to render its fire dangerous to the attacking party, and which now seemed to be either guarding the coast, or waiting in inaction whatever duty might be assigned it. However this might be, no sooner had the flying lieutenant and his servant appeared upon the shore, than a shout from the deck of ^ M' THE PRISOlSrER OF THE BORDER. 91 the distant vessel reached their ears, and at the next instant a can- non hall came booming over the water and buried itself in the bushes behind them. A rattling fire of musketry followed, and Harry dropped upon the beach, to the boundless terror of the negro, who rushed quickly up to him. " Oh, massa — massa — are you really dead ?" exclaimed the poor fellow, frantic with fright. " Follow me," said Harry, creeping rapidly behind the shrub- bery which grew thickly at a little distance from the shore. " Where did they hit you, Massa Harry V^ " They did not hit me at all, Brom," replied Harry, coolly ; " and I do not mean they shall. I wish I knew where poor Tom is." "Never mind Captain Tom, Massa Harry — we've got our hands pretty full enough now, I think, to take care of ourselves. Golly, massa, look at that !" he exclaimed, springing suddenly aside, and pointing at the cannon ball they had so narrowly escaped, and which now lay harmless beside them. " Let us get away from here." " Never fear, Brom. Sit down on it, if you wish to be quite safe. Lightning never strikes twice in the same place, nor cannon balls either, I presume." Harry spoke lightly, in hopes of allaying the alarm of his com- panion, but he felt all the peril of his position, and while he talked thus calmly, his mind was rapidly devising means of escape, and calculating the chances of finding his brother. " We shall have to skulk around here till midnight, I suppose," he continued, " and then either swim across the river, or find some other means of making the passage. How far can you swim, Brom r " Oh, I can swim all night, I spect ; IVe swum across the Hud- son river, many's the time, where it's wider than this here St. Lawrence — though 'tain't so swift, to be sure." " It's a pretty long stretch," said Harry, after gazing a few moments at the opposite shore, with a longing to p?ace himself 92 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. beneath the protecting JEgis which seemed to canopy every inch of American soil. ^ " I wish we was there," replied Brom, following the direction of his master's eye ; " we should not have any Britishers bombard- ing us over there, should we, Massa Harry ?" " I don't think I can swim it." " 1 can help you, Massa Harry." ** I don't know about that — I do not see how you can swim for more than one. If you can swim all night, as you say, you might carry me over in pieces." " I can help you," reiterated the negra, not heeding the jest ; " when you are tired, 1 can hold you, and let you rest." " And who will hold you in the meantime." "Oh, ril be walking up stairs," replied the negro, alluding to a feat well known to swimmers, by which they sometimes sustain themselves for a considerable time in the water while giving rest to the arms. " More likely we should both be going down stairs to Davy Jones' cellar. No, no, it won't do, Brom — at least, not for me," said Vrail, now speaking more seriously ; " I must find a boat of some kind, or I must trust to some of the Canadians for assistance. If I were confident you could succeed in crossing, I would insist upon your doing so alone ; but it is an unknown stream, and its waters might prove as treacherous as the people upon its shore, who have lured so many of our brave countrymen to destruction. The dark- ness, too, would quadruple the peril, as you could not see the opposite shore, and if you became bewildered and frightened, you would be sure to be lost.'* " You need't preach all that to me, Massa Harry. I shan't go, 'less you do, any way — so that pint is settled." ' A second volley from the steamboat, which sent a few scattering Dalls among the shrubbery around them, reminded them that they were watched, and induced them to change their position. CHAPTER Xm. THE MAGIC RIFLE. Vrail did not dare to emerge from his hiding-place, but he ventured to draw near enough to its outer edge to reconnoitre the formidable enemy who had seemed to think two trembling fugi- tives upon the beach a proper subject for his prowess. Great was his alarm on discovering a small boat, cotitaining six or seven men, putting oft' from the steamer and approaching the shore, very evidently for the purpose of effecting their capture. Both himself and the negro were armed, having preserved their guns, while Vrail had also his pistols, and his resolution was instantly and coolly taken. " This way, Brom," he said, raising his rifle ; " they are after us now, half a dozen of them. If they land, there is no help for us. Stand ready now, to load as fast as I fire." Vrail was a practiced marksman, and he felt so certain of the fatality of his aim that he hesitated a moment with a natural reluctance, but a random volley from his approaching foe, designed to keep them within their cover, determined him, and he pulled the trigger. An oarsman sprung from his seat, and fell over the edge of the boat which was nearly capsized by the hasty rush of his comrades to his assistance. " I am sorry for him," said Harry, coolly exchanging guns with Brora, and raising the second weapon to his eye. w .94: THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. " Golly I I ain't," replied the negro, ramming down another cartridge ; *' hav'n't the cowardly rapscallions been cannonading us?" Again the hurtling lead went upon its mission, and another man was seen to fall, but the oars were again speedily manned, and the increased speed with which the boat approached the shore showed a courageous design to effect a landing before the weapons could again be loaded and brought to bear. ** Fool !" exclaimed Harry ; " I meant to have spared him," bringing the weapon which Brom now handed him to bear upon the leader of the party, who sat in the stern of the skiff, and who at the next instant was added to the list of victims. " Golly ! there goes the cap'n," shouted Brom with great glee. " Now for another !" he continued, handing up the ready gun. " Wait a little ! I rather think they have enough. I believe they are going back." " Then it's jes the time to pepper 'em, massa ; quick, now, give it to them ! Golly ! didn't they cannonade us ?" Vrail was correct in his conjectures. The progressive motion of the skiff had been stopped, and after a moment's pause, it was turned about and moved rapidly toward the steamboat, to which it was still much nearer than to the shore. Whether this was by order of the wounded ofiBcer, or whether he had given his last orders, it was impossible to tell, but nothing was more certain than that the foe were in full flight. Again the African conjured his master to fire upon them, and the speed with which they fled showed that they expected another discharge, but no urging would induce Vrail to take a human life needlessly. " We have defended ourselves so far," he said, " but it would not benefit us in the least to take another life. I am really very sorry for those poor fellows, Brom." " Jingo I massa, / ain't. Didn't they cannonade us r repeated the negro, who could not forget his fright at being fired upon by THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 95 a cannon from a vessel of war, and who did not seem disposed to forgive the offence. That the steamer approached no nearer the shore during this singular contest, was doubtless owing to some very effective shots which she had recently received from one of the patriot forts, a repetition of which might be apprehended, for the result of the several engagements on shore, if, indeed they had yet fully termi- nated, was unknown to the commandant on the boat. His remain- ing forces, however, were not idle spectators of this engagement with the " band of marauders on the beach," as in a subsequent dispatch he styled the two fugitives : but they kept up some random firing toward them, especially during the retreat of their comrades in the boat. Although temporarily elated by his extraordinary victory, the young lieutenant was far from expecting to make good his escape. He might be considered even to have increased the peril of his position, for his capture, which seemed still almost unavoidable, could scarcely result in anything short of his immediate death from his enraged foe. While daylight lasted, there was no possi- bility of emerging from his narrow shelter without the certainty of detection and successful pursuit, and scarcely three minutes elapsed after the return of the small boat to the steamer, before it was again sent out by a circuitous route, to gain a distant part of the beach, farther up the stream, and beyond the reach of the magical weapon which had proved so disastrous to its recent occu- pants. There were but three individuals in it this time, and the design was very evidently to give notice to some party of the enemy on shore of the lurking place of the fugitives, and to draw down upon them an immediate force which no strength of theirs could resist or evade. It was late in the afternoon, but the sun was yet twice the breadth of his disc above the horizon. Vrail watched anxiously its tardy movements down the declivity 96 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. of the sky, hoping against hope for the speedy arrival of that darkness which might afford them one more chance of escape. Never, seemingly, had the great luminary been so slow in its de- scent, and it almost seemed to him that some miraculous interposi- tion had taken place to arrest the orb of day, like that which stayed its progress down the heights of Gibeon at the bidding of the prophet of God. From the sky to the water and to the fly- ing boat, and back again to the sky, his impatient eye wandered, and he calculated closely the time which might elapse before the sound of pursuit would be heard. Fly he must, but darkness alone could give him even a faint chance of escape. The village adjacent was by no means large, but all its inhabitants, as well as the scattered population of the country for many miles around, had been aroused by the exciting events of the day, and on every road which led into the interior, people were passing to and from the seat of war. The shore of the river alone remained nearly deserted, but this there was, of course, no safety in traversing under the guns of the steamboat, which had already so nearly proved fatal to them. While Harry watched in momentarily increasing anxiety, the skiff had passed far up the stream, and began rapidly to approach the shore, and yet the sun had not touched the horizon ; but the breeze which so often springs up at the day's decline was rising with unusual strength, and soon the summits of some ascending clouds, became visible in the west. They rose too, with such a breath of base, so " volumed and vast," as to promise an effectual extinguishment of the remaining day- light, from the moment they should receive the descending lumi- nary within their capacious folds. Such, too, was their effect. The night drew suddenly on, unpreceded by the usual twilight, and the still rising clouds promised to make it one of unusual darkness. Of course the fugitives lost no time in emerging from their place of concealment, although with no well-defined idea of the THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 97 route they were to pursue ; but Vrail resolved to leave the river shore, which would be sure to be the first place of search by their pursuers. Being nearly exhausted by fatigue, and sufiering with cold and hunger, he knew that he might be compelled to trust himself temporarily to the mercy of some Canadian family, yet he was unwilling to wander far from that stream, which afford- ed the only means of return to his native land. There was little time, however, to choose roads, for he had scarcely gone forth from the bushes before he heard the clamor of pursuit, and he hurried forward, attended by his sable friend, not knowing whither he went, excepting that he was leaving the lights of the village behind him. CHAPTER XIV. A TYRANT AND A SLAVE. The course of the fugitives was nearly northeasterly, and not diverging far from the river. They followed a road which led at times through dense woods, and at times through an open country, where an occasional farm-house was revealed by its evening light, and by the barking of its watch-dog as they passed. Their pro- gress was necessarily slow, as the darkness was intense, and the way unknown to them, and they had not wandered long or far before Vrail began to contemplate making a trial of the hospitality of some of the inhabitants. His fatigue was very great; he had eaten nothing since early in the morning, and Brom, though far from being exhausted, was, like him, pinched with hunger. Besides, he thought the chances of meeting a friendly reception as good in one locality as in another, and being well armed, it would be an easy matter, if repulsed, or if he had reason to suspect betrayal, again to take to flight. Thus arguing, he selected for his hazardous experiment a house, the faint light of which seemed not only remote from the road on which he was travelling, but far from any other dwelling. It proved very difficult of access, and as he travelled slowly across the meadows towards it, the flickering rays which guided him danced bewilderingly before his eyes, seeming at times, like the ignis fatuus^ to recede as he approached it. At length he drew near the building, but ere he came near to THE PRISONER OF THE BOEDER. 99 the door, he heard the sound of angry voices within, and he thought for a moment of passing on in search of more peaceful indications in other quarters ; but impelled by his desperate and destitute condition, he dismissed his fears and knocked for admit- ance. The reply was gruff, but it bade him enter, and flinging the door open, he passed in, followed by Brom. In a small room, beside a rough deal table, an elderly couple sat, with a meal of brown bread and potatoes before them, while a miserably clad, but pretty and gentle-looking girl, of about thir- teen years, stood by the fireside, apparently the patient recipient of the joint rebukes of the other two. The man was small, sallow, and dirty, with harsh and homely features, rendered doubly re- pulsive by the scowl of wrath, lingering upon them, and the woman, though possessing the remains of beauty, had a bold and cunning expression, and a general slatternliness of appearance more disagree- able than ordinary ugliness. Vrail was not skilled in physiognomy ; he had seen too little of the world for that ; but if he had been so, the woman's countenance changed almost too suddenly after his entrance to admit of his analyzing its first expression, or retaining the effect it produced upon him. Her civil " good evening" was free from all rudeness or appearance of surprise, while her more blunt partner turned hastily to the intruders, and asked who they were and what they wanted. "We want food, and assistance to cross the river," replied Harry, advancing nearer the table, throwing down some silver, and seizing a piece of bread, which he began eagerly to devour. " I can make it worth your while to assist us," he added ; " besides, I think ^ve ought to be friends." " Oh, yes," replied the other, with a sudden change of manner ; " I see what you are now. You belonged to the patriot army, I s'pose, and you want to get back home." "Exactly so." 100 THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. " They've been terribly cut up there at the Windmill, poor fel- lows — they are all killed or taken, excepting a very few who have fled, but even they will be taken, you know." '' Is it really so very bad ?" asked Harry, who had not before learned the full extent of the disaster to his companions. " Yes, shocking," was the reply, with a baleful gleam of the eye ; " Pve been down to the Point to see about it. There's dozens ly- ing around there dead, and the prisoners are all marched to Pres- cott for to-night, with their general ; and troops of people following and looking on. But come, sit down and eat, both of you, and we'll talk about that afterwards. You are safe enough here for the present ; to-morrow it would be quite another thing." The famished men w^aited for no second invitation, but sat down side by side, and attacked the homely fare with as much eagerness and relish as if it had been composed of the choicest viands. " You think we shall be safe here for a short time ?" asked Vrail, scarcely gaining the leisure to speak so long a sentence. " Oh, certainly," replied the host, exchanging a look of intelli- gence with his wife; "there isn't a doubt of it, is there Hannah V " Not the least, I should think," was the reply, in a very bland voice. " Lock the door, Ruth." The girl obeyed, and at the next instant the Canadian rose, and glancing again significantly at his wife, approached the negro, who, like his master, had retained his gun at his side when he sat down. " Let me set your guns in the corner, out of your way," he said to Brom, in the mildest of voices ; so mild that it would not have been recognized as belonging to the same speaker who had ad- dressed them on entering. He laid his hand on the weapon as he spoke, and Brom, who had a whole potato in his mouth and another in his hand, seemed like to acquiesce in the movement without any remonstrance: This was far, however, from his design. Clutching at the depart- "The negro, clutching at the departing gun with his unoccupied hand, and shaking his head, drew it back to its former position."— Page 101. THE PRISONER OF THfi l50iy:)i5t:, > ^ > 101 ing gun with his unoccupied hand, and shak?ng his he>i4;o1iV'i) Pm^ONER OF THE BORDER. out of tuiii window a,Qd nicike for the woods, and then you will be as well off as you were before.^' " It is well thought of, about the light," replied Vrail, at once extinguishing the blaze of the single tallow candle which had very faintly illumined the room ; " I think it would now be diffi- cult for any one to find the house in such a pitchy darkness, unless they knew exactly where it stood .'^ " Of course it would, for you can't begin to see it from the road. But good-bye — keep up good heart till I return, which won't be very long." He went out, and the woman followed him to the door, enjoin- ing upon him in a loud voice to take care of himself, but saying something in a lower tone, as she drew the door nearly shut after her, standing on the outside. At this moment the girl, who had stood nearly motionless in the chimney-corner ever since the entrance of the fugitives, advanced quickly a few steps towards Harry, and upon the door re-opening, as hastily retreated to her former position. The faint light which gleamed from the embers upon the hearth revealed this movement, and the young man supposed that she had meant to take some food secretly from the table, having pro- bably been kept fasting as a punishment for some offence. He began to make some inquiries about her, when the woman, in a whining voice, which was intended to be very gentle, said that she had been a bad girl, but that she might have her supper now, and bade her come to the table. " I ain't hungry," replied a very faint voice, the articulation of which seemed to indicate a violent trembling of the speaker. " Then go to bed," was the reply. The girl remained motionless until the mandate was twice repeated, when she very slowly obeyed, passing near, and pausing a moment close to Vrail, who distinctly heard her tremble as she stood beside him THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 103 He was about to speak to her, when the voice of the woman again urged her along, and she passed into a corner of the room and ascended a ladder which led to an upper apartment. The hostess, in the meantime, became very voluble, and seemed bent on entertaining her guests until the return of her husband. Nearly an hour passed away, which, of course, seemed to the young man fully quadrupled in length, and yet there was no sign of the man's return, and still his garrulous partner talked on with unflagging rapidity. The rebellion was the theme, and as she could relate many an interesting incident connected with it, she found in Harry an eager listener. But he grew impatient, at last, and would hear no more. ** He has been gone long enough to have walked four miles — something must have happened to prevent his return,'' he said. " It is very dark — he will certainly be here soon," replied the woman ; " I will go and listen if I cannot hear him coming." She went, as before, outside the door, quite closing it after her, for the night was cool, and at the same time Vrail heard a half whispering voice from the top of the ladder. '* They are cheating you. Larry Smith lives very near us, and he has no boat. Uncle Shay has gone after soldiers to take you." Harry started up, and was about making his exit through the window, when reflecting that such a course might bring the poor girl under suspicion and procure some terrible punishment for her, he resolved to wait a few moments longer, intending to depart as if not suspecting his host. " Do you know of any boat ?" he asked hastily. " Yes — about two miles, down the river, at Mr. Wells'. But you must hurry. They will go directly there to find you. Do not wait a minute. Oh, I hear voices now." Vrail sprang to the door and locked it, resolving not to be taken alive, as he knew that his capture would be equivalent to 104 THE PEISOITER OF THE BOEDER. death. He next ordered Brom to jump out of the window, a command which the negro was not slow in obeying, and he stood ready to follow him, yet waiting, in hopes of obtaining further information in regard to his way. The next instant the door was; tried, and then the voice of their returned host was heard modu- lated to a tone of mildness decidedly winning. " It is I and Larry — I have found him at last. Be quick, and open the door." " Oh, don't open it," added the voice from the ladder. " There are six or eight men. I have seen them from the window. There is a short way to the place where Wells' boat is kept, if you can find it — but you must hurry." " I fear I can neither find the short way nor the long one ; I do not even know the way to the river, and the night is very dark." Harry advanced as he spoke with a foreboding heart, and with a conviction that if he failed to make good his escape across the river before daylight his capture would become certain, as the country would be thoroughly aroused by his pursuers, and all the passes would be secured. The girl's warning and his reply had been quickly spoken, and the reflections we have recorded had been instantaneous; but already another, and an impatient summons was heard from with- out, accompanied by a violent shaking of the door. " What is the matter there — can't you find the lock ?" " Wait a minute," replied Harry. " Good-bye, my good girl ; you have saved our lives for the present. Take this." As he spoke he felt a light grasp upon his arm, and heard the whispered words — " Hurry, hurry, they are coming around the house." She had glided down the ladder, and now fairly dragged tne young man forward to the window, and when he leapt out she followed, seeming almost frantic with the desire to save him. " I will show you the way to the river, and will go a little way THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. ^ 106 with you," she whispered, again grasping his arm outside the house, and dragging him forward. They advanced as rapidly as the darkness would permit, fol- lowed by the negro, who had been waiting for his master, and stimulated by the momentary expectation of hearing the sounds of pursuit. i CHAPTER XV. RUTH'S STORY, As soon as it seemed safe to slacken their pace, Vrail earnestly advised his gentle guide to return to her home, and leave them to their own resources, at the same time offering her some gold. " No, no," she replied, " I will go on ; you never can find the boat without me/' " But your uncle ?" " I do not care. He may kill me if he chooses, I do not care. Come on," she said, almost breathlessly. " But you will have to return alone, two miles, in the dark — I cannot permit it." " It is nothing. He often sends me further for rum, on worse nights than this. Nobody will hi;rt me, for I have nothing for them to steal." When Harry still counselled her to return, she urged that if she went back now, she could not enter the house unperceived, and if her absence had been detected at all, it would make no difference in the degree of her punishment, whether she went the whole way or part with the fugitives. The young man reluctantly yielded, and they proceeded on their way with renewed speed ; yet he found time to question the poor girl about her history, which was so evidently one of suffering. Her story was brief, and very pitiful. She was an orphan, and had lived since the age of six years with the man whom she called THE PRISONER OF THE BORDER. 107 uncle, but who, it appeared, was not thus related to her. His first wife, long since deceased, had been her aunt, and in her lifetime Ruth had been adopted as their daughter, and had ever since borne the name of Shay, but his present partner was her oppressor, himself her tyrant, and she but the trembling slave of both. A menial child, friendless, overworked, poorly fed, and half clothed, she yet had forgotten her own miseries in her sympathy and alarm for the strangers whom she saw in distress, and whom, after effect- ing their deliverance, she could never hope to see again. The contemplation of this picture drew tears from Harry's eyes, and as he listened to the poor child\s story, told in the gentlest of voices, he was busy with devices for her relief, and half forgot his own danger. ^' Why do you not leave people who treat you so badly," he inquired. " I have nowhere else to go," she replied. " But you can earn your own living. I will give you money enough to-night to last you for many weeks, and to buy clothes with." She did not think she could earn her own living. They had told her she was good for nothing, and could do nothing well. Besides, she did not dare to make the attempt. He would be cer- tain to find her out anywhere in that part of the country, and to drag her back. Such was the substance of her reply. Vrail began to reflect whether it was not a duty to take this poor child, thus providentially thrown upon his hands, along with him to his own country, if he should succeed in finding the means of escape. " Would you be willing to go with me .^" he asked, suddenly. " When ? Where ? How ?" she inquired with great eagerness. "This night, if we can find a boat to cross the river — to my own home. I will do the best I can for you, and you will be cer- tain never to see your uncle or aunt again." 108 THE PEISONEK OF THE BGKDEE. " Oh, yes, yes, take me — take me !" she exclaimed ; " I do not care where, if they will never get me again. I will do anything for you or anybody. I can work from daylight until dark without rest. I have often and often done it for them, and then been beaten after all. Oh, take me 1 take me !" Harry assured her, with tears, that he would take her with him, if it were possible, and that in her new home she would have no such tasks or privations as she had been used to ; but while so great uncertainty shrouded his own fate, he hesitated to say more to kindle a hope which might prove so painfully illusive. They continued to hasten forward during this conversation, and after some reflection, Harry took some gold pieces from his pocket, and said : — " Take these, and conceal them about your person, and if we should become separated, and I should be captured " " I do not want them