Beadle's Dime Novels No. 13 — page 33: what you’re looking at

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

THE HEART OF CEDAR SWAMP. — 85 and that it would be better to fall back to Cedar Swamp. From thence, the troop could send out scouts, who might learn Whatever was going on, and - bring intelligence of any place where their services would be of use. ape Although the prisoners were a burden, still, there was a disinclination to let them go. Accordingly, it was decided that they also should be carried to the Swamp, as they might » be at some future time, serviceable for exchange. By morn- ing the troop was plunging into the hidden recesses of Cedar Swamp. : One might search in vain for a better place of rendezvous, surrounded on the outside by a swamp which it was almost impossible for a footman to pass, much less a horseman. There was, within, a cordon of thickly interwoven bushes and stunt- | ed trees; then another ring of swamp, and, finally, in the center, a spot of solid ground, some fifteen acres in extent, studded here and there with tall trees. One track there was, winding and intricate, along which the Americans found their way under the careful guidanceship of John Vale. It differed not in its appearance from the adjoining swamp; but, under the wet, miry earth, at the depth of six or eight inches, there was solid footing. As it was uncertain how long they would remain in this place, and as the swamp would always be their place of refuge, on which to fall back, it had been determined to construct a few huts, sufficient for the accommodation of the whole bri- gade and their prisoners. Brawny arms were bent to the task; and, long before nightfall eight small cabins were to be Seen, lifting their humble roofs which were rendered quite impervious to inclement weather. Several of the men had been dispatched to their homes to procure provisions, and make arrangements with their families, by which supplies could be obtained during their stay im the Swamp. Five days have passed. During that time Captain Pres-' ton has been quartered at the house of Mr. Tappan. ~ It was a heavy thing for the old patriot to bear this, being com- pelled to furnish food and drink to the enemies of his country, but, no murmur wag allowed to escape his lips; he knew too well what might be the consequences of an unguarded. ex...