desperation, the deep powerful struggle for life, served him to the last-and that he had completely on the one hand, and death on the other.

The afternoon of that day was not yet ended, when a loud huzzaing reverberated through the camp of the Virginia Legion. Caps and colors waved, the discharge of carbines and pistols rent the air, and tumultuous cries of "the scoundrel is killed the deserter is cut to pieces"-resounded on every side.

Middleton was descried returning with his party. In the rear, a dragoon led by the bridle the powerful war-horse of the sergeant-major: but naught occupied the saddle save the military cloak and boots, and the sword-scabbard of the missing. Those were slung across it like relics over the led steed of the dead warrior in the funeral procession, and appeared plainly to indicate the dark fate of the deserter.

"Thus may it ever be," cried the stern Carnes, who stood in front of a group of officers, drawn by the clamor from their quarters, "with the rash fool who deems it an easy matter to bring disgrace upon this Legion." And fifty voices applauded the sentiment in a deafening shout.

Suddenly the noise was hushed: a murmur ran through the camp, and the officers fell back as Lee, himself, walked forward to gaze upon the sight that had caused the tumult. A faint smile irradiated his countenance as he returned the salutations of his officers; but those very officers, whose love for their commander quickened their perception, could not fail to notice that it was forced. Nay, the step that heretofore was ever firm, slightly faltered now; and the cheek that had never before revealed dismay, was blanched to a deathlike paleness.

baffled his pursuers-what was the surprise of every listener!

CHAPTER V.

'Twas then in hour of utmost need
He proved his courage, art and speed.
Now slowly stalked with stealthy pace,
Now started forth in rapid race,
Oft doubling back in mazy train,
To blind the trace the dews retain,
Now clombe the rocks projecting high,
To baffle the pursuers eye,

Rokeby.

Now sought the stream, whose brawling sound The echo of his footsteps drowned. Immediately after crossing the hill upon which they first descried Champe, Middleton had arrived at an abrupt turn in the road: but from the angle thus formed, diverged a less frequented, but more direct route through a thick wood, to Paules Hook, the main road leaving the shortest course in order to pass through the village of Bergen. The path through the wood rejoined the highway a short distance below Bergen, and before it reached a deep creek, running through a swamp, at the foot of the high ground on which the village is

situated.

Upon inspection, it was discovered to the equal surprise and joy of the pursuers, that the fugitive had taken the longest route.

"By the soul of Washington!" cried the gratified Cornet, in high excitement, "he is ours. Thus, my boys, you see that guilt can make the most acute man a fool. Sergeant Watkins, take three men of your own choosing, and away with you through the woods, as if a certain old gentleman you are well acquainted with was at your heels. Take possession of the bridge, and I will drive the rascal into your arms. But mark me, sir— take him alive—or I will hold you accountable for his blood. There is no necessity for killing him now."

This unusual appearance of their valued leader wrought an instant change in the feelings of his troops; and as they now looked upon that which had caused their late rejoicing, sorrow took pos- The parties separated—that of the sergeant rushsession of their souls; their minds dwelt upon the ing with headlong speed down the rough wood path, thousand virtues instead of the one fault of the and that of Middleton moving at a brisk gallop strangely deluded Champe. But how fluctuating on the trail of the deserter's horse. Watkins soon are the feelings and passions of man, and how gained his post, and carefully concealed his party, swayed by the most trifling circumstance! Affec-two on either side of the road. Thus situated, he tion for an unfortunate comrade, was now upper-waited some time;-but no sound broke the stillmost in the bosoms of those hardy warriors who ness of the morning. had just banished exultation in his downfall. In a few short minutes they would experience mortification for having ever loved him or pitied his fate. To this would succeed implacable hatred to his memory-uncompromising detestation of his very

name.

When the advancing party drew near, it was observable that there was no exultation or triumph in their looks. In this, it might be they but responded to the feelings of those they met. But when, in answer to the demand of his Major, Middleton reported that the ingenuity of the deserter had

Meanwhile the party of Middleton came on in strict order, increasing their speed as they drew nearer the point of junction and perceived not Champe. They rushed through the village like a whirlwind, startling the quiet Dutch inhabitants, about this time taking their early morning meal, and dashed down the hill toward the bridge, the loud blast of their bugle announcing their approach to Watkins.

The watchful sergeant now ordered his men from their cover, and formed a line directly across the bridge. The tramp of Middleton's horses sounded

"And into them he means to plunge, d-n him," shouted the strong sighted Watkins; "for

nearer and nearer. His party came in sightthey closed in with their friends—and, to their utter mortification and chagrin, discovered that if he has'nt strapped his valise to his shoulders I'll Champe had once more completely deceived them. be savin' your presence, Cornet Middleton,— A brief consultation decided that it was impos- but there lays his scabbard, glistening in the sun, sible that he could have passed the bridge before in front-yes, and just beyond it, his cloak.” Watkins reached it; and that, if it was possible, "Forward!" roared Middleton at the top of his he must be so near the enemies post at Paules voice. "Have you no spurs, you villains? ForHook that further pursuit would be useless. The ward, I say. Are you riding the clumsy nags of result was that the whole party returned to Ber-Clinton's Hessians, or the high mettled steeds of gen; but not with the laggard motion of worn-old Virginia? Forward! I say, forward! Don't down and disappointed men; for the ambitious be afraid to break your ranks now-the man who and determined young officer who commanded goes ahead is the best fellow. Lee wishes to see them had already resolved upon his course. Wat- his sergeant-major-don't let him get drowned kins was ordered to divide the men into four par- among the rocks off the point." ties, and look for the track of the deserter's horse A turn in the road near a small clump of cedars, in every avenue leading from the village in any now hid the form of the fugitive, momentarily, direction; while he himself made inquiries of the from his pursuers' sight: but obeying the cominhabitants whether the man he sought had been mand of their leader, each man did his utmost to seen by them. He learned that a dragoon had excel his companions,-Middleton, his sergeant, ridden through their village, at full speed, but and the young Buxton taking the lead of the none could tell in which direction he had left it. others. For a minute the three rode side by side, They could only inform the Cornet that they be- and then Watkins dashed ahead of his rivals, lieved the fellow had turned every corner he came sweeping past the cedars with the swiftness of the to, and rode through each one of the few streets wind. In another instant he had passed the horse of of the place; and these were so beaten and muddy Champe, his bridle thrown over a sapling, biting that no distinct track of man or horse was dis-off the grass at its root, with a composure plainly cernible.

Such information was anything but satisfactory; but, owing to the vigilance of his men, Middleton was not left long to ponder upon it in suspense. The discharge of a pistol, the preconcerted signal, suddenly announced that a party who had taken the road leading westward, to Bergen Point, had struck the trail of Champe's horse! The different parties again amalgamated; and when Middleton rode up, he was informed, that from the trail discovered, it was evident the fugitive had once more leisurely walked his horse off, while they had been riding swiftly toward the bridge.

"Whether he walks or runs," cried the Cornet, "he must be our prisoner now-thank Heaven, there is no road leading to or from the point but this. Nevertheless, we may as well make short work of it. Forward."

Once more they dashed their spurs into the flanks of their jaded horses, and once more was the deserter descried. Again it was evident that he was apprised of their contiguity before themselves; for the trail showed that the walk of his horse had been changed to a gallop on the very spot whence they discovered him.

"He is ours," cried Middleton again-" with steep rocks on one side and the swamp on the other, he cannot escape. Remember your orders, men-there will be no necessity for taking his life. This road leads only to the deep waters of the Kills. "*

*Generally known by this appellation. The proper or rather

the original Dutch name was Kill Van Kuhl, or Van Kuhl's River. It is a strait connecting Newark and New York bays.

indicating that the noble animal had been favored so as to have performed with ease all that had been required of him. The rider had left the road, and was now running across the marsh in the direction of two British gallies moored in the Kills. His boots had been drawn, and lay in the road.

Although Watkins immediately perceived the situation of affairs, his horse was under such speed that he found it impossible to hold him up. He however exerted his powerful voice in warning his companions to dismount, and in a short time the fugitive found himself closely pursued by the Cornet and Buxton, followed at a short distance by the whole party on foot.

"Yield yourself, villain," cried Middleton," or I'll drive a bullet through your faithless heart. Yield, and save your life-if it is worth saving. Champe! yield, I say. I have the advantage of you. You have no fire-arms."

The deserter sped onward. He neither looked behind him or replied; and the ball from a pocketpistol of Middleton's whizzed past his ear. He now exhibited another act of consummate coolness, and actually slackened his speed, in order that he might not exhaust himself so much as to be unable to swim well, when he reached the water; rightly judging that his ardent pursuers had not taken time to draw their pistols from the holsters, upon abandoning their horses. Middleton, however, failed not to improve the advantage this gave him, and was rapidly gaining upon him; when, unfortunately, a low, soft spot in the marsh impeded his progress in his heavy horseman's boots. Instantly perceiv

ing this, and observing that the crews of the gallies, having been aroused by the discharge of the Cornet's pistol, were watching him, Champe paused an instant upon the shore, and shouted aloud— "In the name of the King's majesty, help! help!-save a loyal subject from the merciless rebels."

In the next moment, the voice of young Buxton, faint and broken by his extreme exertion, but full of bitter sarcasm, fell upon his ear.

chagrin, but did not censure the Cornet. On the contrary, he applauded his zeal and acuteness, telling him that had the deserter been any other than Champe, he must certainly have been taken.

For a day or two, the story of Champe's perfidy was in the mouths of the whole Legion. At first, his place in the corps was, from day to day, supplied by temporary appointments; but at the end of a fortnight, a regular sergeant-major was named by the commander-and the name of Champe"Come back," he cried, "come back and teach once the pride of the Legion-was scarcely heard us a soldier's honor,' John Champe. Come back, among those wronged warriors to whom his virand preach for us again, you hellish hypocrite." tues had in better days endeared him as a brother. And attempting in his indignation and anger, a Meantime, the deserter was in New York, in bound too powerful for his exhausted strength, he the midst of plenty-patronized by Sir Henry fell prostrate and nearly breathless at the feet of Clinton-British gold in his pocket,—and—fitting the deserter.

Stung to the quick by the bitter taunt, Champe turned upon the fallen youth, his dark visage glowing with an expression as horrible as though all the torture of mind he had been doomed to feel, throughout his inglorious flight, was concentrated in that one look. His naked sabre whirled around his head with a fierce celerity, but in the next instant his self-possession had conquered. The blade flew twenty feet in the air, and the deserter plunged into the blue waves of the Kills.

No time was lost by the rest of the pursuing party, and the swiftest runners had now reached the shore. Sabres, boots, coats, scabbards, instantaneously strewed the earth, and several had dashed into the water as they were, when, by order of the watchful Middleton, a bugle sounded the recall.

Strict as was the discipline of the Legion, and great as was the confidence of the men in their officers, it was not without some mutterings of dissatisfaction that the dragoons prepared to obey this signal. Another moment, however, served to reveal the wisdom of the Cornet's decision; for a sharp sudden sound rent the air, and a ball from a small swivel on board of one of the gallies, tore up the mud of the shore at their feet. Those who had cast off their clothes or accoutrements hastily seizing them, the dragoons sullenly retreated; though not without venting their rage in hallooing to their former comrade, now safely seated in a boat which had been sent to meet him, under cover of the guns of the gallies. Loud and bitter were the revilings that followed the deserter from the shores of that patriotic little state in which he had first disregarded the words of his dying father. The British answered to the taunting shouts of their enemies by a discharge of musketry, doing little injury-but serving to heighten the Virginians' enmity to themselves, and their hatred of the man they protected.

We have now given the substance of the report made by the disappointed Middleton to his superior. Lee listened with deep attention, exhibited some

|

conclusion-cheek by jowl with that prince of traitors, Arnold himself.

It now becomes our duty to follow him into the strong hold of the enemies of his country-to watch his actions-his words—his very looks; and to ascertain whether conscience can be stifled by gold, or whether even his consummate self-possession can hide its restless workings from observation.

CHAPTER VI.

I have cause, and will, and strength, and means,
To do 't. Examples, gross as earth, exhort me:
Witness, this army of such mass, and charge.

*

Exposing what is mortal, and unsure,
To all that fortune, death, and danger, dare,
Even for an egg-shell! Rightly to be great,
Is, not to stir without great argument;
But greatly to find quarrel in a straw,
When honor's at the stake? How stand I then?

Hamlet.

As soon as the captain of the galley ascertained the views of Champe, he sent him with a letter, stating the circumstances of his desertion, which he had witnessed, to the commandant of New York. After questioning him closely, the latter officer transferred him under the care of an orderly sergeant to the adjutant general. Here he was again interrogated, and much satisfaction was exhibited, when it was discovered that he had belonged to a corps so celebrated for their fidelity as the Virginia Legion. According to the usage of the British, his name, the place of his birth, his size, form, countenance, and other particulars respecting him, were carefully noted and preserved. He was then sent in charge of one of the staff, with a letter from the adjutant to the commander-inchief of the British forces in America.

In the afternoon of that day, Champe stood in a splendidly furnished apartment in Queen street. His countenance was downcast, though, once or twice, those who were seated in front of him imagined that, from beneath his bent brow, his eyes glanced searchingly around on every side. Pos

when it comes to seeing their wives and children starving before their eyes, it is too bad."

sibly they were mistaken, but if not, they ima- | without complaining, as any other people: but agined there might be nothing strange in his exhibiting uneasiness in the situation in which he was placed. It appeared that, since his unaccoun- "Certainly, my good fellow, certainly-I untable desertion, his very soul was changed; that derstand you perfectly. But you have spoken he had utterly sacrificed his Virginia pride and only of the men. Pray, tell me your opinion in independent spirit at the shrine of royalty and high-regard to the officers. Will any of them follow handed power: his manner toward the King's lieu-Brigadier Arnold's example?" tenant was servile in the extreme-as much so as that of the most abject minion in the royal ranks could have been. Such a deference it was as he had never shown to the officers of Congress, and he had been in the presence of those of the highest rank among the latter. Formerly his intercourse with those above him in military rank had been uniformly marked with manly respect; but there had been no degrading servility in it until now.

"You said the opinion was gaining ground that General Arnold had taken the wisest course," said Sir Henry Clinton, after some remarks in an undertone to two of his aids who sat near him. "What causes you to think so?"

"Your excellency is well acquainted with the fact," returned the Virginian," that Lee's Legion has been throughout the war one of the most faithful corps in the American service.”

"I am; and that which most surprised me in regard to your own defection, was the circumstance of your having come to us from that corps." "Well, your excellency, I know that very corps is now full of discontent. The men are unpaid, and half the time unfed. Besides that, General Arnold's letter has convinced them that it is their real interest to discontinue their resistance. They think his arguments very plain."

The deserter appeared to be immersed in deep reflection. At length he said, " I think they will, your excellency."

"By what do you judge?"

Why, your excellency, after General Arnold first left us, we did not dare to express our opinions before the officers; but latterly, we have talked freely, and they do not reprimand us. In fact, they often smile when they overhear us, and then assemble together, and have long consultations among themselves. This makes me think—”

"Go on sir, go on," said Clinton impatiently, when he observed the hesitation of the American. "Speak your mind freely, and fear nothing."

"It makes me think, your excellency," resumed the deserter," that some scheme for coming over to the King, with all the troops, is on foot

"Aha!" eagerly exclaimed Clinton, turning to his companions, who were regarding Champe with the closest attention. "Do you hear that, gentlemen? Does not the plot work well? You are a shrewd fellow, sergeant. You have shown it no less in coming to us beforehand, than in foreseeing that a revulsion will take place. What inducements do you think most likely to bring this spirit of defection to an issue?"

Again the deserter hesitated. "Of course, your "They think rightly," returned Clinton, with excellency is aware," said he, cautiously looking a grim expression of satisfaction. "But your ac-around, as though fearing he might be overheard count does not agree with information I have here- by some person who ought not to be intrusted tofore received of the Virginia Legion. I have with an important secret, "that I am not the best been told that Lee is an excellent provider, and judge of that; but my poor opinion is, in regard exceedingly careful of the interests of his men- to the Legion in particular, that if the men were nay, that he has even supplied, from his private offered a month's pay in advance, and some clothresources, the means of paying them, when Con-ing, such as shirts, stockings, and boots-so that gress has been deficient."

the men might have them all in plain sight-that "I believe that is true, your excellency," re- is, if it could be done, your excellency, by a flag turned the self-possessed Champe," but I know—or in any other way—their necessities would comand every man in the Legion knows-that he has not done so lately. It is reported in the corps, that he has found out that Congress is not likely to be able to repay him; and since that, we have had to do without pay altogether. What he calls his patriotism has cooled down, though he preaches about it as much as ever."

The stern features of the British Chief relaxed into a smile, and the two aids indulged in a hearty laugh.

"I don't mean to say, your excellency," rejoined the deserter quickly, "that the Americans are any worse than other troops in regard to fighting without pay; for I believe they will do it as long,

pel them to accept them. Promises would not do so well-first, because they have had too many of them from Congress; and second, because it is immediate relief they require. Then if the officers could be offered handsome pay-partly in advance-and that shown them in gold—for they are entirely disgusted with paper-I think they would come over at once."

"You perceive, gentlemen," said Clinton, again turning to his aids, "that my opinion of the rebels was well founded. Tell me not of the virtues of men reared from the cradle to the art of making money. Money is their idol-they love it more than they fear gunpowder--and they shall have it.”

Enough," muttered Clinton, with grim exul"The whole army are opposed to taking his tation—“ I understand you.” life," answered Champe, without hesitation.