quently brought its exterior under his observation, in the course of his and it will afford me a fitting opportunity to make these inquiries which cambles through the place of his nativity. A guile being, consequently, you know are so near my heart, and in which you have promised to assist unnecessary, he took the most direct and frequented route to the Dock--it is to consult on the means that I have now sought you." square. When Lionel issued into the street, he found a deep darkness already enveloping the peninsula of Boston, as if nature had lent herself to the secret designs of the British commandant. The fine strain of a shrill fife was playing among the naked hills of the place, accompanied by the occasional and measured taps of the sullen drum; and, at moments, the full, rich notes of the horns would rise from the common, and, borne on the night-air, sweep along the narrow streets, causing the nerves of the excited young soldier to thrill with a stern pleasure, as he stepped proudly along. The practised ear, however, detected no other sounds in the music than the usual nightly signal of rest; and, when the last melting strains of the horns seemed to be lost in the clouds, a stillness fell upon the town, like the deep and slumbering quiet of midnight. He paused a moment before the gates of Province-house, and, after examining, with an attentive eye, the windows of the building, he spoke to the grenadier, who had stopped in his short walk, to note the curious stranger.

The countenance of the stranger seemed to lose its character of melancholy reflection as Lionel spoke, and his eyes moved, vacant and unmeaning, over the naked rafters above him, passing in their wanderings across the surface of the unheeded map again, till they fell full upon the face of the astonished youth, where they remained settled for more than a minute, fixed in the glazed, riveted look of death. The lips of Lionel had already opened in anxious inquiry, when the expression of life shot again into the features of Ralph, with the suddenness, and with an appearance of the physical reality with which light flashes from the sun when emerging from a cloud.

You have then heard the intelligence, Agnes!"

I have heard that men are arming, and that boats are rowing round the town in all directions, and that it is forbidden to enter or quit Boston, as we were wont to do, Cecil, at such hours and in such fashion as suited us plain Americans," said Agnes, endeavouring to conceal her deep vexation in affected irony. "God only can tell in what all these oppressive measures will end."

from that which Lionel was pursuing, and walked away with the swiftness accompanying the grenadiers and light-infantry of this army, Niss Dynevor, of one who was pressed with urgent business. Lionel soon ascended into though it shoull be against treble their numbers of chosen troops." the upper part of the town, with the intention of going into Tremont- Then it would seem," said Agnes Danforth, speaking as she entered street, to communicate his design to accompany the expedition. It was the room, "that our friend Mercury, that feather of a man, Captain Polnow apparent to the young man, that a rumour of the contemplated move-warth, is to be one of these night depredators; heaven shield the henment of the troops was spreading secretly, but swiftly, among the people. roosts!" He passed several groups of earnest and excited townsmen, conferring together at the corners of the streets, from some of whom he overheard the startling intelligence that the Neck, the only approach to the place by land, was closed by a line of sentinels; and that guard-boats from the vessels of war were encircling the peninsula in a manner to intercept the communication with the adjacent country. Still no indications of a military alarm could be discovered, though, at times, a stifled hum, like the notes of busy preparation, was borne along by the damp breezes of the night, and mingled with those sounds of a spring evening which increased as he approached the skirts of the dwellings. In Tremont-street, Lionel found no appearance of that excitement which was spreading so rapidly in the old and lower parts of the town. He passed into his own room without meeting any of his family, and, having completed his brief arrangements, he was descending to inquire for his kinswomen, when the voice of Mrs. Lechmere, proceeding from a small apartment appropriated to her own arrested his steps. Anxious to take leave in person, he approached the half-open door, and would have asked permission to enter, had not his eye rested on the person of Abigail Pray, who was in earnest conference with the mistress of the mansion.

use,

instant.

"A man aged, and poor, say you?" observed Mrs. Lechmere, at that "And one that seems to know all," interrupted Abigail, glancing her cyes about with an expression of superstitious terror.

"All!" echoed Mrs. Lechmere, her lip trembling more with, appre

hension than age; “and he arrived with Major Lincoln, say you?”
"In the same ship; and it seems that heaven has ordained that he
shall dwell with me in my poverty, as a punishment for my great sins!"
"But why do you tolerate his presence, if it be irksome," said Mrs.
Lechmere ; you are at least the mistress of your own dwelling."

"It has pleased God that my home shall be the home of any who are so miserable as to need one. He has the same right to live in the warehouse that I have."

"You have the rights of a woman, and of first possession," said Mrs. Lechmere, with that unyielding severity of manner that Lionel had often observed before; "I would turn him into the street, like a dog."

"Into the street!" repeated Abigail, again looking about her in secret terror; "speak lower, Madam Lechmere, for the love of heaven-I dare not even look at him-he reminds me of all I have ever known, and of all the evil I have ever done, by his scorching eye-and yet I cannot tell why --and then Job worships him as a god, and if I should offend him, he could easily worm from the child all that you and I wish so much

"How!" exclaimed Mrs. Lechmere, in a voice husky with horror, "have you been so base as to make a confidant of that fool?"

"That fool is the child of my bosom," said Abigail, raising her hands, as if imploring pardon for the indiscretion. "Ah! Madam Lechmere, you, who are rich, and great, and happy, and have such a sweet and sensible grandchild, cannot know how to love one like Job; but when the heart is loaded and heavy, it throws its burden on any that will bear it; and Job is my child, though he is but little better than an idiot!"

It was by no trifling exertion of his breeding that Lionel was enabled to profit by the inability of Mrs. Lechmere to reply, and to turn away from the spot, and cease to listen to a conversation that was not intended for his ear. He reached the parlour, and threw himself on one of its settees, before he was conscious that he was no longer alone or unobserved. "What! Major Lincoln returned from his revels thus early, and armed like a bandit, to his teeth!" exclaimed the playful voice of Cecil, Dynevor, who, unheeded, was in possession of the opposite seat, when he entered the room.

Lionel started, and rubbed his forehead, like a man awaking from a dream, as he answered

them all."

"Yes, a bandit, or any other opprobrious name you please; I deserve "Surely," said Cecil, turning pale, “none other dare use such language of Major Lincoln, and he does it unjustly!"

What foolish nonsense have I uttered, Miss Dynevor," cried Lionel, recovering his recollection: "I was lost in thought, and heard your language without comprehending its meaning."

Still you are armed; a sword is not a usual instrument at your side, and now you bear even pistols !"

"Yes," returned the young soldier, laying aside his dangerous implements; yes, I am about to march as a volunteer, with a party that go into the country to-night, and I take these because I would affect something very warlike, though you well know how peaceably I am disposed." March into the country-and in the dead of night!" said Cecil, catching her breath, and turning pale. "And does Lionel Lincoln volunteer on such a duty?"

"I volunteer to perform no other duty than to be a witness of whatever may occur. You are not more ignorant yourself of the nature of the expedition than I am at this moment."

"Then remain where you are," said Cecil, firmly, "and enlist not in an enterprise that may be unholy in its purposes and disgraceful in its

results."

"Of the former I am innocent, whatever they may be, nor will they be affected by my presence or absence. There is little danger of disgrace in

that

"If you go only as a curious spectator of the depredations of the troops," continued Cecil, are you not wrong to lend them even the sanction of your name?" "I have yet to learn that there will be depredations." "You forget, Cecil," interrupted Agnes Danforth, scornfully, Major Lincoln did not arrive until after the renowned march from Roxbury to Dorchester! Then the troops gathered their laurels under the face of the sun; but it is easy to conceive how much more glorious their achievements will become when darkness shall conceal their blushes!" The blood rushed across the fine features of Lionel, but he laughed as he arose to depart, sayingIf I have my

"You compel me to beat the retreat, my spirited coz. usual fortune in this forage, your larder, however, shall be the better for it. I kiss my hand to you, for it would be necessary to lay aside the scarlet, to dare to approach with a more peaceable offering. But here I may make an approach to something like amity."

suffered herself to be led to the door of the building while he continued He took the hand of Cecil, who frankly met his offer, and insensibly speaking.

"I would, Lincoln, that you were not to go," she said, when they stopped on the threshold. "It is not required of you as a soldier; and as a man your own feelings should teach you to be tender of your country

men.

'It is as a man that I go, Cecil," he answered; "I have motives that you cannot suspect."

"And is your absence to be long?” "If not for days, my object will be unaccomplished; but," he added, pressing her hand gently, you cannot doubt my willingness to return when occasion may offer.'

"Go, then," said Cecil, hastily, and perhaps unconsciously extricating herself" go, if you have secret reasons for your conduct; but remember that the acts of every officer of your rank are keenly noted." Do you then distrust me, Cecil?"

No-no-I distrust no one, Major Lincoln-go-go-and—and—we shall see you Lionel, the instant you return."

He had not time to reply, for she glided into the building so rapidly as to give the young man an opportunity only to observe that, instead of rejoining her cousin, her light form passed up the great stairs with the swiftness and grace of a fairy.

CHAPTER IX.

LIONEL had walked from the dwelling of Mrs. Lechmere to the foot of Beacon-hill, and had even toiled up some part of the steep ascent, before he recollected why he was thus wandering by himself at that unusual hour. Hearing, however, no sounds that denoted an immediate movement of the troops, he then yielded, unconsciously, to the nature of his sensations, which just at that moment rendered his feelings jealous of communication with others, and continued to ascend until he gained the summit of the eminence. From this elevated stand he paused to contemplate the scene which lay in the obscurity of night at his feet, while his thoughts returned from the flattering anticipations in which he had been indulging, to consider the more pressing business of the hour. There arose from the town itself a distant buzzing, like the hum of suppressed agitation, and lights were seen to glide along the streets, or flit across the windows, in a manner which denoted that a knowledge of the expedition had become general within its dwellings. Lionel turned his head toward the common, and listened long and anxiously, but in vain, to detect a single sound that could betray any unusual stir among the soldiery. Towards the interior, the darkness of night had fallen heavily, dimming the amphitheatre of hills that encircled the place, and enshrouding the vales and lowlands between them and the water with an impenetrable veil of gloom. There were moments, indeed, when he imagined he overheard some indications among the people of the opposite shore, that they were apprised of the impending descent; but on listening more attentively, the utmost of which his ear could assure him was the faint lowing of cattle from the meadows, or the plash of oars from a line of boats which, by stretching far along the shores, told both the nature and the extent of the watchfulness that was deemed necessary for the occasion.

While Lionel stood thus, on the margin of the little platform of earth that had been formed by levelling the apex of the natural cone, musing on the probable results of the measure his superiors had been resolving to undertake, a dim light shed itself along the grass, and glancing upward, danced upon the beacon with strong and playful rays.

"Scoundrel!" exclaimed a man, springing from his place of concealment, at the foot of the post, and encountering him face to face, "do you dare to fire the beacon?''

LIONEL LINCOLN

"I would answer by asking how you dare to apply so rude an epithet The light is to me, did I not see the cause of your error," said Lionel. from yonder moon, which is just emerging from the ocean." "Ah! I see my error," returned his rough assailant. "By heavens, I would have sworn at first 'twas the beacon."

"You must then believe in the traditional witchcraft of this country; for nothing short of necromancy could have enabled me to light those combustibles at this distance."

"I don't know; 'tis a strange people we have got amongst. They stole the cannon from the gun-house here a short time since, when I would have It was before your arrival, Sir; for I said the thing was impossible. now believe I address myself to Major Lincoln of the 47th.” "You are nearer the truth, this time, than in your first conjecture as to my character," said Lionel; "but have I met one of the gentlemen of our mess?"

The stranger now explained that he was a subaltern in a different regiment, but that he well knew the person of the other. He added, that he had been ordered to watch on the hill to prevent any of the inhabitants lighting the beacon, or making any other signal which might convey into the country a knowledge of the contemplated inroad.

"This matter wears a more serious aspect than I had supposed," returned Lionel, when the young man had ended his apologies and explanation; "the commander-in-chief must intend more than we are aware of, by employing officers in this manner, to do the duties of privates."

"We poor subs know but little, and care less, what he means," cried the ensign; "though I will acknowledge that I can see no sufficient reason why British troops should put on coats of darkness to march against a parcel of guessing, canting, countrymen, who would run at the sight of their uniforms under a bright sun. Had I my will, the tar above us, there, should blaze a mile high, to bring down the heroes from Connecticut river; the dogs would cow before two full companies of grenadiers-ha! listen, Sir; there they go, now, the pride of our army! I know them by their heavy tread."

A

Lionel did listen attentively, and plainly distinguished the measured step of a body of disciplined men, moving rapidly across the common, as if marching towards the water-side. Hastily bidding his companion goodnight, he threw himself over the brow of the hill, and, taking the direction of the sounds, he arrived at the shore at the same instant with the troops. Two dark masses of human bodies were halted in order, and as Lionel skirted the columns, his experienced eye judged that the force collected of officers group before him could be but little short of a thousand men. was clustered on the beach, and he approached it, rightly supposing that it was gathered about the leader of the party. This officer proved to be the dieutenant-colonel of the 10th, who was in close conversation with the old major of marines, alluded to by the sentinel who stood before the gates of Province-house. To the former of these the young officer addressed himself, demanding leave to accompany the detachment as a volunteer. After a few words of explanation, his request was granted, though each forbore to touch in the slightest manner on the secret objects of the expedition. Lionel now found his groom, who had followed the troops with his master's horses, and, after giving his orders to the man, he proceeded in quest of his friend Polwarth, whom he soon discovered, posted in all the stiffness of military exactness, at the head of the leading platoon of the column of light-infantry. As it was apparent, both from the position they occupied, as well as by the boats that had been collected at the point, that the detachment was not to leave the peninsula by its ordinary channel of communication with the country, there remained no alternative but to wait patiently the order to embark. The delay was but short, and, as the most perfect order was observed, the troops were soon scated, and the boats pulled heavily from the land, just as the rays of the moon, which had been some time playing among the hills, and gilding the spires of the town, diffused themselves softly over the Bay, and lighted the busy scene, with an effect not unlike the sudden rising of the curtain at the opening of some interesting drama. Polwarth had established himself by the side of Lionel, much to the ease of his limbs, and as they moved slowly into the Hight, all those misgivings which had so naturally accompanied his musings on the difficulties of a partisan irruption, vanished before the loveliness of the time, and possibly before the quietude of the action.

There are moments when I could fancy the life of a sailor," he said, leaning indolently back, and playing with one hand in the water. "This pulling about in boats is easy work, and must be capital assistance for a heavy digestion, inasmuch as it furnishes air with as little violent exercise as may be. Your marine should lead a merry life of it!"

They are said to murmur at the clashing of their duties with those of the sea-officers," said Lionel; "and I have often heard them complain of a want of room to make use of their legs." "the leg is a part of a man for "Humph!" ejaculated Polwarth; which I see less actual necessity than for any other portion of his frame. I often think there has been a sad mistake in the formation of the animal; as, for instance, one can be a very good waterman, as you see, without legs-a good fiddler, a first-rate tailor, a lawyer, a doctor, a parson, a very tolerable cook, and, in short, anything but a dancing master. I see no use in a leg unless it be to have the gout-at any rate, a leg of twelve inches is as good as one a mile long, and the saving might be appropriated to the nobler parts of the animal; such as the brain and the stomach."

"You forget the officer of light-infantry," said Lionel, laughing. "You might give him a couple of inches more; though, as everything in this wicked world is excellent only by comparison, it would amount to the same thing, and on my systein a man would be just as fit for the lightinfantry without, as with legs; and he would get rid of a good deal of

troublesome manoeuvring, especially of this new exercise. It would then
become a delightful service, Leo; for it may be said to monopolise all the
Neither the imagination nor the
poetry of military life, as you may see.
body can require more than we enjoy at this moment, and of what use, I
would ask, are our legs? If anything, they are incumbrances in this boat.
Here we have a soft moon, and softer seats-smooth water, and a stimu-
lating air-on one side a fine country, which, though but faintly seen, is
known to be fertile and rich to abundance; and on the other a picturesque
Even those rascally
town, stored with the condiments of every climate.
privates look mellowed by the moonbeams, with their scarlet coats and
glittering arms! Did you meet Miss Danforth in your visit to Tremont-
street, Major Lincoln ?'*

"That pleasure was not denied me."

"Knew she of these martial proceedings?"

"There was something exceedingly belligerent in her humour."
"Spoke she of the light-infantry, or of any who serve in the light

corps?"

'Your name was certainly mentioned," returned Lionel, a little drily. "She intimated that the hen-roosts were in danger."

"Ah! she is a girl of a million! her very acids are sweet! the spices were not forgotten when the dough of her composition was mixed; would that she were here-five minutes of moonshine to a man in love is worth a whole summer of a broiling sun-'twould be a master-stroke to entice her into one of our picturesque marches; your partisan is the man to take everything by surprise-women and fortifications! Where now are your companies of the line? your artillery and dragoons? your engineers and staff? night-capped and snoring to a man, while we enjoy here the "You have a solitary whip-poor-will whistling his notes, as if in very dessert of existence. I wish I could hear a nightingale!" lamentation at our approach."

"Too dolorous, and by far too monotonous; 'tis like eating pig for a But why are our fifes asleep?"

month.

"The precautions of a whole day should hardly be defeated by the teiltale notes of our music," said Lionel; "your spirits get the better of your discretion. I should think the prospect of a fatiguing march would have lowered your vein."

A fico for fatigue?" exclaimed Polwarth. "We only go out to take a position at the colleges to cover our supplies. We are for school, Leo-only fancy the knapsacks of the men to be satchels,-humour my folly,-and you may believe yourself once more a boy."

The spirits of Polwarth had indeed undergone a sudden change, when he found the sad anticipations which crossed his mind on first hearing of a night inroad, so agreeably disappointed by the comfortable situation he occupied; and he continued conversing in the manner described, until the boats reached an unfrequented point that projected a little way into that part of the Bay which washed the western side of the peninsula of Boston. Here the troops landed, and were again formed with all possible despatch. The company of Polwarth was posted, as before, at the head of the column of light-infantry; and an officer of the staff riding a short distance in Lionel ordered his groom front, it was directed to follow his movements. to take the route of the troops with the horses, and placing himself once "Now for the shades of old Harvard!" said Polwarth, pointing more by the side of the captain, they proceeded at the appointed signal. towards the humble buildings of the university; “you shall feast this night on reason, while I will make a more sub- Ha! what can that blind quartermaster mean by taking this direction? Does he not see that the meadows are half covered with water!"

"Move on, move on with the light-infantry," cried the stern voice of the old major of marines, who rode but a short distance in their rear. “Do you falter at the sight of water?"

"We are not wharf-rats," said Polwarth.

Lionel seized him by the arm, and before the disconcerted captain had time to recollect himself, he was borne through a wide pool of stagnant water, mid-leg deep.

"Do not let your romance cost your commission," said the major, as Polwarth floundered out of his difficulties; "here is an incident at once for your private narrative of the campaign.”

66

Ah! Leo," said the captain, with a sort of comical sorrow, "I fear we are not to court the Muses by this hallowed moon to-night!" "You can assure yourself of that, by observing that we leave the academical roofs on our left-our leaders take the high-way."

They had by this time extricated themselves from the meadows, and were moving on a road which led into the interior.

"You had better order up your groom, and mount, Major Lincoln," "Twould be folly now; I am wet and must walk for safety." said Polwarth, sullenly; "a man need husband his strength, I see." With the departure of Polwarth's spirits the conversation began to flag, and the gentlemen continued their march with only such occasional communications as rose from the passing incidents of their situation. It very soon became apparent, both by the direction given to the columns, as well as by the hurried steps of their guide, that the march was to be forced, as well as of some length. But as the air was getting cool, even Polwarth was not reluctant to warm his chilled blood by more than ordinary exertion. The columns opened for the sake of case, and each man was permitted to consult his own convenience, provided he preserved his appointed situation, and kept even pace with his comrades. In this manner the detachment advanced swiftly, a general silence pervading the whole, as the spirits of the men settled into that deep sobriety which denotes much earnestness of purpose. At first the whole country appeared buried in a general sleep; but as they proceeded, the barking of the dog.

"

But the excitement which had been gathering to a head for so many hours, and the animosity which had so long been growing between the troops and the people, were not to be repressed at a word. It was only when Pitcairn himself rode in among the soldiers, and aided by his officers, beat down their arms, that the uproar was gradually quelled, and something like order was again restored. Before this was effected, however, a few scattering shot were thrown back from their flying adversaries, though without material injury to the British.

and the tread of the soldiery, drew the inhabitants of the farm-houses to "Great God!" exclaimed Lionel, "what is it ye do! ye fire at their windows, who gazed in mute wonder at the passing spectacle, across unoffending men! is there no law but force? beat up their pieces, Polwarth which the mellow light of the moon east a glow of brilliancy. Lionel had-stop their fire." turned his head from studying the surprise depicted in the faces of the Halt!" cried Polwarth, brandishing his sword fiercely among his members of one of these disturbed families, when the deep tones of a distant men; "come to an order, or I'll fell ye to the earth.” church-bell came sweeping down the valley in which they marched, ringing peal on peal, in the quick, spirit-stirring sounds of an alarm. The men raised their heads in wondering attention, as they advanced; but it was not long before the reports of fire-arms were heard echoing among the hills, and bell began to answer bell in every direction, until the sounds blended with the murmurs of the night air, or were lost in distance. The whole country was now filled with every organ of sound that the means of the people furnished, or their ingenuity could devise, to call the popalation to arms. Fires blazed along the heights, the bellowing of the When the firing had ceased, officers and men stood gazing at cach Conchs and horns mingled with the rattling of the muskets and the varied other for a few moments, as if even they could foresee some of the mighty tones of the belis, while the swift clattering of horses' hoofs began to be events which were to follow the deeds of that hour. The smoke slowly neard, as if their riders were dashing furiously along the flanks of the party. arose, like a lifted veil, from the green, and, mingling with the fogs of "Push on, gentlemen, push on," shouted the old veteran of marines, morning, drove heavily across the country, as if to communicate the fatal amid the din: the Yankees have awoke, and are stirring-we have yet a intelligence that the final appeal to arms had been made. Every eye was bent long road to journey-push on, light-infantry, the grenadiers are on inquiringly on the fatal green, and Lionel beheld, with a feeling allied to your heels!" anguish, a few men at a distance, writhing and struggling in their wounds, The avance quickened their steps, and the whole body pushed for while some five or six bodies lay stretched upon the grass in the appalling their unknown object with as much rapidity as the steadiness of military quiet of death. Sickening at the sight, he turned, and walked away by array would admit. In this manner the detachment continued to proceed | himself, while the remainder of the troops, alarmed by the reports of the for some hours without halting, and Lionel imagined that they had ad-arms, were eagerly pressing up from the rear to join their comrades. vanced several leagues into the country. The sounds of the alarm had Unwittingly he approached the church, nor did he awake from the deep now passed away, having swept far inland, until the faintest evidence of its abstraction into which he had fallen, until he was aroused by the extraexistence was lost to the ear, though the noise of horsemen, riding furiously ordinary spectaele of Job Pray, issuing from the editice with an air in long the by-ways, yet denoted that men were still hurrying past them, to which menace was singularly blended with resentment and fear. The the scene of the expected strife. As the deceitful light of the moon was changeling pointed earnestly to the body of a man who, having been bending with the truer colours of the day, the welcome sound of Malt!" wounded, had crept for refuge near to the door of the temple, in which he was passed from the rear up to the head of the column of light-infantry. had so often worshipped that Being, to whom he had been thus hurriedly Halt repeated Polwarth, with instinctive readiness, and with a sent to render his last and great account, and said solemnlyvoice that sent the order through the whole length of their extended line; "halt, and let the rear close if my judgment in walking be worth so much as an anchovy, they are some miles behind us, by this time! A man needs to have crossed his race with the blood of Flying Childers for this sort of work! The next command should be to break our fasts. Tom, you brought the trifles I sent you from Major Lincoln's quarters?" "Yes, Sir," returned his man; "they are on the major's horses, in the

rear, as-

The major's horses in the rear, you ass, when food is in such request in the front. I wonder, Leo, if a mouthful could'nt be picked up in yon farm-house?"

"Pick yourself off that stone, and make the men dress; here is Pitcairn closing to the front with the whole battalion."

66

You have killed one of God's creatures; and he'll remember it!" "I would it were one only," said Lionel; "but they are many, and none can tell where the carnage is to cease."

“Do you think," said Job, looking furtively around to assure himself that no other overheard him, "that the king can kill men in the Bay colony as he can in London? They'll take this up in old Funnel, and 'twill ring again, from the North-end to the Neck."

"What can they do, boy, after all," said Lionel, forgetting at the moment, that he whom he addressed had been denied the reason of his kind-"the power of Britain is too mighty for these scattered and unprepared colonies to cope with, and prudence would tell the people to desist from resistance while yet they may."

"Does the king believe there is more prudence in London than there in Boston?" returned the simpleton; "he needn't think because the people were quiet at the massacre there'll be no stir about this-you have killed one of God's creatures," added the lad, "and he'll remember it!"

"How came you here, sirrah?" demanded Lionel, suddenly recollecting himself; "did you not tell me that you were going out to fish for your mother?"

"And if I did," returned the other, sullenly, "an't there fish in the ponds as well as in the Bay, and can't Nab have a fresh taste?-Job don't know there is any act of parliament ag'in taking brook trout." "Fellow, you are attempting to deceive me! Some one is practising on your ignorance, and, knowing you to be a fool, is employing you on errands that may one day cost your life."

Lionel had hardly spoken before an order was passed to the light-is infantry to look to their arms, and for the grenadiers to prime and load. The presence of the veteran who rode in front of the column, and the hurry of the moment suppressed the complaints of Polwarth, who was in truth an excellent officer, as it respected what he himself termed the "quiescent details of service." Three or four companies of the light corps were detached from the main bo ly, and formed in the open marching or ler of their exercise, when the old marine, placing himself at their head, gave forth the order to advance again at a quick step. The road now led into a vale, and at some distance a small hamlet of houses was dimly seen through the morning haze, clustered around one of the humble, but decent temples, so common in Massachusetts. The halt, and the brief preparations that succeeded, had excited a powerful interest in the whole of the detachment, who pushed earnestly forward, keeping on the heels of the charger of their veteran leader, as he passed over the ground at a small trot. The air partook of the scent of morning, and the eye was enabled to dwell distinctly on surrounding objects, quickening, aided by the excitement of the action, the blood of the men who had been toiling throughout the night in uncertain obscurity along an unknown, and, apparently, an interminable road. Their object now seemed before them and attainable, and they pressed forward to achieve it in animated but silent earnestness. The plain architecture of the church and of its humble companions had just become distinct when three or four armed horsemen were seen attempting to anticipate their arrival, by crossing the head of the column, from a by-path.

Come in," cried an officer of the staff in front, come in, or quit the place." The men turne, and rode briskly off, one of their party flashing his piece in a vain attempt to give the alarm. A low mandale was now passed through the ranks to push on, and in a few moments they entered on a full view of the hamlet, the church, and the little green on which it stood. The forms of men were seen moving swiftly across the latter as a roll of a drum broke from the spot: and there were glimpses of a small body of countrymen, drawn up in the affectation of military parade,

**Push on, light-infantry!” cried their leader spurring his horse, and avane'ng with the staff at so brisk a trot as to disappear round an angle of the church.

Lionel pressed forward with a beating heart, for a crowd of horrors rushed across his imagination at the moment, when the stern voice of the major of marines was again heard, shouting—

44

Disperse, ye rebels, disperse !-throw down your arms, and disperse." These mem irable words were instantly followed by the reports of pistols, and the fa al mandate of "Fire!" when a loud shout arose from the whole body of the soldiers, who rushed upon the open green, and threw in a close discharge on all before them.

"The king can't send Job on a'r'nds," said the lad, proudly; "for there is no law for it, and Job won't go."

"Your knowledge will undo you, simpleton-who should teach you these niceties of the law?"

"Why, do you think the Boston people so dumb as not to know the law?" asked Job with unfeigned astonishment; "and Ralph, too-he knows as much law as the king; he told me it was ag'in all law to shoot at the minute-men, unless they fired first, because the colony has a right to train whenever it pleases."

"Ralph!" said Lionel, eagerly-"can Ralph be with you, then? 'tis impossible; I left him ill, and at home-neither would he mingle in such a business as this, at his years."

"I expect Ralph has seen bigger armies than the light-infantry, and grannies, and all the soldiers left in town put together," said Job, evasively.

Lionel was far too generous to practise on the simplicity of his companion, with a view to extract any secret which might en lan er his liberty, but he felt a deep consern in the welfare of a young man who had been thrown in his way in the manner already related. He therefore pursued the subject, with the double design to advise Job against any dangerous connections, and to relieve his own anxiety on the subject of the aged str nger. But to all his interrogatories the lad answered guar-ledly, and with a discretion which denoted that he possessed no small share of cunning though a higher order of intellect had been denied him.

"I repeat to you," said Lionel, losing his patience, "that it is important for me to incet the man you call Ralph in the country, and I wish to know if he is to be seen near here?"

Ralph soorns a lie," returned Job-"go where he promised to meet you, and see if he don't come.” But no place was named-and t is unhappy event may embarrass him, or frighten him—-”

"Frighten him!" repeated Job, shaking his head with solenin earnest. ness; You can't frighten Ralph !"

"It is a palpable and baistly truth, that he has been shot; but why, or with what design?"

"I must leave that question to be answered by our superiors, Captain M'Fuse," returned Lionel. "It is, however, rumoured that the expedition is out to seize certain magazines of provisions and arms, which the colonists have been collecting, it is feared, with hostile intentions."

"I had my own sagacious thoughts that we were bent on some such glorious errand!" said M'Fuse, with strong contempt expressed in his hard features. "Tell me, Major Lincoln-you are certainly but a young soldier, though, being of the staff, you should know-does Gage think we can have a a war with the arms and ammunition all on one side? We had a long pace, Major Lincoln, and now, when there is a small prospect of some of the peculiarities of our profession arising, we are commanded to do the very thing which is most likely to def'ate the object of war."

"I do not know that I rightly understand you, Sir," said Lionel; "there can be but little glory gained, by such troops as we possess, in a contest with the unarmed and undisciplined inhabitants of any country." "Exactly my maining, Sir; it is quite obvious that we understand each other thoroughly, without a world of circumlocution. The lads are doing very well at present, and if left to themselves a few months longer, it may become a creditable affair. You know, as well as I do, Major Lincoln, that time is necessary to make a soldier, and if they are hurried into the business, you might as well be chasing a mob up Ludgate-hill, for the honour you will gain. A discrate officer would nurse this little matter, instead of resorting to such precipitation. To my id'a'a's, Sir, the man before us has been butchered, and not slain in honourable battle!"

"There is much reason to fear that others may use the same term in speaking of the affair," returned Lionel ; God knows how much cause we may have to lament the death of the poor man!"

"On that topic, the man may be said to have gone through a business that was to be done, and is not to be done over again,” said the captain, very coolly, "and therefore his death can be no very great calamity to himself, whatever it may be to us. If these minute-men--and, as they stand but a minute, they 'arn their name like worthy fellows-if these minute-men, Sir, stood in your way, you should have whipped them from the green with your ramrods."

vacant.

Here is one who may tell you that they are not to be treated like children either," said Lionel, turning to the place which had been so recently occupied by Job Pray, but which, to his surprise, he now found a While he was yet looking around him, wondering whither the lad could so suddenly have withdrawn, the drums beat the signal to form, and a general bustle among the soldiery showed them to be on the eve of further movements. The two gentlemen instantly rejoined their companions, walking thoughtfully towards the troops, though influenced by such totally

different views of the recent transactions.

Lionel rejoined his friend, he found him at the head of his men, marching with so grave an air, as at once induced the major to give him credit for regrets much more commendable than such as were connected with his physical distress. The files were once more opened for room, as well as for air, which was becoming necessary, as a hot sun began to di-sipate the mists of the morning, and shed that enervating influence on the men, so peculiar to the first warmth of an American spring.

"This has been a hasty business altogether, Major Lincoln," said Polwarth, as Lionel took his wonted station at the side of the other, and dropped mechanically into the regular step of the party-"I know not that it is quite as lawful to knock a man in the head as a bullock."

"You then agree with me in thinking our attack hasty, if not cruel ?” "Hasty! most unequivocally. Haste may be called the distinctive property of the expedition; and whatever destroys the appetite of an honest man, may be set down as cruel. I have not been able to swallow a mouthful of breakfast, Leo. A man must have the cravings of a hyena, and the stomach of an ostrich, to eat and digest with such work as this of ours before his eyes.”

"And yet the men regard their acts with triumph!"'

"The dogs are drilled into it. But you saw how sober the provincials looked in the matter; we must endeavour to soothe their feelings in the best manner we can."

"Will they not despise our consolation and apologies, and look rather to themselves for redress and vengeance?"

Polwarth smiled contemptuously, and there was an air of pride about him that gave an appearance of clasticity even to his heavy tread, as he answered

"The thing is a bad thing, Major Lincoln, and, if you will, a wicked thing; but take the assurance of a man who knows the country well, there will be no attempts at vengeance; and as for redress, in a military way, the thing is impossible."

"You speak with a confidence, Sir, that should find its warranty in an intimate acquaintance with the weakness of the people."

"I have dwelt two years, Major Lincoln, in the very heart of the country," said Polwarth, without turning his eyes from the steady gaze he maintained on the long road which lay before him, "even three hundred miles beyond the inhabited districts; and I should know the character of the nation, as well as its resources. In respect to the latter there is no esculent thing within its borders, from a humming bird to a buffalo, or from an artichoke to a water-melon, that I have not, on some occasion or other, had tossed up, in a certain way—therefore, I can speak with confidence, and do not hesitate to say, that the colonists will never fight; nor, if they had the disposition, do they possess the means, to maintain a war.'

"Perhaps, Sir," returned Lionel, sharply, "you have consulted the animals of the country too closely to be acquainted with its spirits?"

"The relation between them is intimate. Tell me what food a man diets on, and I will furnish you with his character. 'Tis morally impossible that people who eat their pudding before the meats, after the fashion of these colonists, can ever make good soldiers, because the appetite is appeased before the introduction of the succulent nutriment of the flesh into---"

"Enough! spare me the remainder," interrupted Lionel, “too much has been said already to prove the inferiority of the American to the European animal, and your reasoning is conclusive."

"Parliament must do something for the families of the sufferers."
"Parliament!" echoed Lionel, with bitter emphasis; "yes, we shall

During the short halt of the advance, the whole detachment was again united, and a hasty meal had been taken. The astonishment which suc-be called on to pass resolutions to commend the decision of the general, ceeded the rencontre had given place, among the officers, to a military and the courage of the troops; and then, after we have added every pride, capable of sustaining them in much more arduous circumstances. possible insult to the injury, under the conviction of our imaginary supreEven the ardent looks of professional excitement were to be seen in most macy, we may hear of some paltry sum to the widows and orphans cited as . of their countenances, as with glittering arms, waving banners, and an evidence of the unbounded generosity of the nation."' timing their march to the enlivening music of their band, they wheeled "The feeding of six or seven broods of young Yankees is no such from the fatal spot, and advanced again, with proud and measured steps, trifle, Major Lincoln," returned Polwarth; and there I trust the unalong the highway. If such was the result of the first encounter on the happy affair will end. We are now marching on Concord, a place with a lofty and tempered spirits of the gentlemen of the detachment, its effect most auspicious name, where we shall find repose under its shadow, as well on the common hirelings in the ranks was still more palpable and revolting, as the food of this home-made parliament, which they have gotten toge Their course jests and taunting looks, as they moved by the despised ther. These considerations alone support me under the fatigue of this victims of their disciplined skill, together with the fierce and boastful ex-direful trot with which old Pitcairn goes over the ground—does the man pression of brutal triumph, which so many among them betrayed, ex-think he is hunting with a pack of bagies at his heels!" hibited the infallible evidence that, having tasted of blood, they were now ready, like tigers, to feed on it till they were glutted.

CHAPTER X.

It was

The opinion expressed by his companion, concerning the martial propensities of the Americans, was one too common among the troops to excite any surprise in Lionel; but, disgusted with the illiberality of the sentiment, and secretly offended at the supercilious manner with which the other expressed these injurious opinions of his countrymen, he continued his route in silence, while Poiwarth speedily lost his loquacious propensity THE pomp of military parade with which the troops marched from the in a sense of the fatigue that assailed every muscle and joint in his body. village of Lexington, as the little hamlet was called where the foregoing That severe training of the corps, concerning which the captain vened events occurred, soon settled again into the sober and business-like air of such frequent complaints, now stool the advance in good service. men carnestly bent on the achievement of their object. It was no longer apparent that the whole country was in a state of high alarm, and smali a secret that they were to proceed two leagues further into the interior, to bodies of armed men were occasionally seen on the heigh's that flanked destroy the stores already mentioned, and which were now known to be their route, though no attempts were male to revenge the deaths of those collected at Concord, the town where the Congress of Provincia! Delegates, who fell at Lexington. The march of the troops was accelerated rather who were substituted by the colonists for the ancient legislatures of the with a belief that the colonists might remove, or otherwise secrete the province, held their meetings. As the march could not now be concealed, steres, than from any apprehension that they would dare to oppose the it became necessary to resort to expedition, in order to ensure its successful progress of the chosen tro ps of the army. The slight resistance of the termination. The veteran officer of marines, so o'ten mentioned, resumed Americans in the rencontre of that morning, was already a jest among the his post in front, and at the head of the same companies of the light corps soldiers, who sneeringly remarked, that the term of “minute-men" was which he had before led, pushed in advance of the havier column of the deservedly applied to warriors who hat proved themselves so dexterans at grenadiers. Polwarth, by this arrangement, perceived himself again in-flight. In short, e ery opprobrious and disrespectful epithet that contempt cluded among hose on whose swiftness of foot so much depended. When and ignorance could invent, wore freely lavished on the forbearing mildness