The Argosy, Vol. XXIV, No. 1 — page 144: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

144 THE GENERAL’S EMISSARY., undoubtedly see the necessity of my getting word to Major Ellerv to proceed to North Castle. Furthermore, I am told that the war vessels which have been sent up the North River by the enemy are now anchored at ‘Tarrytown. In this case it would be judicious for Major Ellery to leave the post road bordering the river, at Sparta, and take the one leading southeast. You comprehend the situation, do you not? Of course, there is considerable per- sonal risk to be incurred. You are willing to go?”’ I bowed in assent. ‘‘ Tam deeply gratified, Captain Heywood.’’ He shook my hand witha hearty grasp. ‘‘ Good by,’’ he added, as he handed me the note. ‘‘ May the good God guard you.”’ When I opened the door, I remember he called out to me: ‘‘ Do not lose that letter or you may lose your head.’’ I believe this was the nearest the general ever cametoa joke. Life with him was filled with too many serious problems for levity. I hurried back to my tent and equipped myself for my journey. I secured the letter in the inside pocket of my great coat, and was soon in the saddle, riding at a brisk canter towards Tarrytown. I made my way through this village without molestation and had ridden not more than half a mile when I discovered that I was being followed. I heard the clatter of hoofs in the distance, and instinctively halted to listen. ‘There was a curve in the road at that place where it followed the course of a - stream through a dense growth of trees. I could tell, by the rhythmic fall of the hoofs, that it was a single horseman, and I pulled out my pistol and waited ; for a true Marylander will never flee from danger. If he proved to be an enemy, I was prepared for him. The man came galloping around the turn in the road, and to my surprise I was confronted by Captain Wilson. ‘“Oh !’’ said he, with a wave of his hand, ‘‘ 1] am indeed fortunate, Cap- tain Heywood. Iam ona little errand for his majesty—General Washington, of course you know I mean. We will call him ‘his majesty’ when the war is over. I had contemplated a lonesome ride. But I see you are going in my direction. I hope you will allow me the pleasure of your company.’’ We had started again at an even gallop. Could it be possible, I thought, that General Washington had mistrusted me and had sent this man along either to watch me, or to take a duplicate note to Major Ellery ? Although my gentlemanly instincts forbade my inquiring into his business, I was secretly glad of his company, for his pleasant conversation helped to while away the time. ~ The clouds, which had been threatening rain all day now began to dis- charge their contents, and when we reached the little hamlet of Sparta, the very heavens seemed to be coming down in cold torrents. A little way further on we arrived at a tavern, located at a fork in the road, where Wilson stopped and informed me that he was going to put up for a time, and after considerable demurring, I, too, dismounted. For, I told myself that Major Ellery would be obliged to pass this way, should he ebooks (E(0)