"Foolish boy!" exclaimed Lionel, as he met the unmeaning eye of the other, "did I not warn you that wicked men might endanger your life? How was it that I saw you in arms to-day against the troops ?" "How came the troops in arms ag'in Job?" returned the changeling, "they needn't think to wheel about the Bay province, clashing their godless drums and trumpets, burning housen, and shooting people, and find no stir about it." "Do you know that your life has been twice forfeited within twelve hours, by your own confession; once for murder, and again for treason against your king? You have acknowledged killing a man!" "Yes," said the lad, with undisturbed simplicity, "Job shot the granny; but he didn't let the people kill Major Lincoln." "True, true," said Lionel, hastily-"I owe my life to you, and that debt shall be cancelled at every hazard. But why have you put yourself into the hands of your enemies so thoughtlessly? What brings you here to-night?"

Ralph told me to come; and if Ralph told Job to go into the king's parlour, he would go."

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Ralph!" exclaimed Lionel, stopping in his hurried walk across the room, "and where is he?"

"In the old ware-'us'; and he has sent me to tell you to come to him and what Ralph says must be done."

"He here, too! is the man crazed?—would not his fears teach him--"

"Fears!" interrupted Job, with singular disdain; you can't frighten Ralph! The grannies couldn't frighten him, nor the light infantry couldn't hit him, though he eat nothing but their smoke the whole day-Ralph's a proper warrior!"

"And he waits me, you say, in the tenement of your mother?" "Job don't know what tenement means, but he's in the old ware'us'."

"Come, then," said Lionel, taking his hat, "let us go to him--I must save him from the effects of his own rashness, though it cost my commission!"'

He left the room while speaking, and the simpleton followed close at his heels, well content with having executed his mission without encountering any greater difficulties.

CHAPTER XII.

THE agitation and deep excitement produced by the events of the day had not yet subsided in the town, when Lionel found himself again in its narrow streets. Men passed swiftly by him, as if bent on some unusual and earnest business; and more than once the young soldier detected the triumphant smiles of the women, as they looked curiously out on the scene, from their half open windows, and their eyes detected the professional trappings of his dress. Strong bodies of the troops were marching in different directions, and in a manner which denoted that the guards were strengthening, while the few solitary officers he met watched his approaching figure with cautious jealousy, as if they apprehended a dangerous enemy in every form they encountered.

The gates of Province House were open, and, as usual, guarded by armed men. As Lionel passed leisurely along, he perceived that the grenadier to whom he had spoken on the preceding evening, again held his watch before the portal of the governor.

"Your experience did not deceive you, my old comrade," said Lionel, lingering a moment to address him-" we have had a warm day."

"So it is reported in the barracks, your honour," returned the soldier-" our company was not ordered out, and we are to stand double duty. I hope to God the next time there is anything to do, the grenadiers of the th may not be left behind-it would have been for the credit of the army had they been in the field to-day." Why do you think so, my veteran? The men who were out are thought to have behaved well; but it was impossible to make head against a multitude in arms."

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"It is not my place, your honour, to say this man did well, and that man behaved amiss," returned the proud old soldier; "but when I hear of two thousand British troops turning their backs, or quickening their march, before all the rabble this country can muster, I want the flank companies of the --th to be at hand, if it should be only that I may say I have witnessed the disgraceful sight with my own eyes."

"There is no disgrace where there is no misconduct," said Lionel. "There must have been misconduct somewhere, your honour, or such a thing could not have happened-consider, your honour, the very flower of the army! Something must have been wrong; and although I could see the latter part of the business from the hills, I can hardly believe it to be true." As he concluded he shook his head, and continued his steady pace along his allotted ground, as if unwilling to pursue the humiliating subject any further. Lionel passed slowly on, musing on that deep-rooted prejudice which had even taught this humble menial of the crown to regard with contempt a whole nation, because they were believed to be dependants.

The Dock-square was stiller than usual, and the sounds of revelry which it was usual to hear at that hour from the adjacent drinkinghouses, were no longer audible. The moon had not yet risen, and

Lionel passed under the dark arches of the market with a quick step, as he now remembered that one in whom he felt so deep an interest awaited his appearance. Job, who had followed in silence, glided by him on the drawbridge, and stood holding the door of the old building in his hand, when he reached its threshold. Lionel found the large space in the centre of the warehouse, as usual, dark and empty, though the dim light of a candle glimmered through the fissures in a partition, which separated an apartment, in one of the little towers that was occupied by Abigail Pray, from the ruder parts of the edifice. Low voices were also heard issuing from this room, and Major Lincoln, supposing he should find the old man and the mother of Job in conference together, turned to request the lad would precede him, and announce his name. But the changeling had also detected the whispering sounds, and it would seem with a more cunning ear, for he turned and darted through the door of the building with a velocity that did not abate until Lionel, who watched his movements with amazement, saw his shuffling figure disappear among the shambles of the market-place. Thus deserted by his guide, Lionel groped his way towards the place where he believed he should find the door which led into the tower. The light deceived him; for, as he approached it, his eye glanced through one of the crevices of the wall, and he again became an unintentional witness of another of those interviews which evinced the singular and mysterious affinity between the fortunes of the affluent and respected Mrs. Lechmere and the miserable tenant of the warehouse. Until that moment, the hurry of events, and the crowd of reflections, which had rushed over the mind of the young man, throughout the busy time of the last twenty-four hours, had prevented his recalling the hidden meaning of the singular discourse of which he had already been an auditor. But now, when he found his aunt led into these haunts of beggary, by a feeling he was not weak enough to attribute to her charity, he stood rooted to the spot by a curiosity which, at the same time that he found it irresistible, he was willing to excuse, under a strong impression that these private communications were in some way connected with himself.

Mrs. Lechmere had evidently muffled her person in a manner that was intended to conceal this mysterious visit from any casual observer of her movements; but the hoops of her large calash were now so far raised as to admit a distinct view of her withered features, and of the hard eye which shot forth its selfish, worldly glances, from amid the surrounding decay of nature. She was scated, both in indulgence to her infirmities, and from that assumption of superiority she never neglected in the presence of her inferiors, while her companion stood before her, in an attitude that partook more of restraint than of respect.

"Your weakness, foolish woman," said Mrs. Lechmere in those stern, repulsive tones she so well knew how to use, when she wished to intimidate, "will yet prove your ruin. You owe it to respect for yourself, to your character, and even to your safety, that you should exhibit more firmness, and show yourself above this weak and idle superstition."

The troubles, and the decreasing value of property, have sensibly affected my income," continued the richly clad and luxurious Mrs. Lechmere; but if that should be too little for your immediate wants, I will add to it another crown."

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"Twill do-'twill do," said Abigail, clenching her hand over the money, with a grasp that was convulsive-" yes, yes, 'twill do. Oh! Madam Lechmere, humbling and sinful as that wicked passion is, would to God that no motive worse than avarice had proved my ruin!"

Lionel thought his aunt cast an uneasy and embarrassed glance at her companion, which he construed into an expression that betrayed there were secrets even between these strange confidants; but the momentary surprise exhibited in her features soon gave place to her habitual look of guarded and severe formality; and she replied, with an air of coldness, as if she would repulse any approach to an acknowledgment of their common transgression

"The woman talks like one who is beside herself! Of what crime has she been guilty, but such as those to which our nature is liable!" "True, true," said Abigail Pray, with a half-stifled hysterical laugh-"'tis our guilty, guilty nature, as you say. But I grow nervous, I believe, as I grow old and feeble, Madam Lechmere; and I often forget myself. The sight of the grave, so very near, is apt to bring thoughts of repentance to such as are more hardened even than I."

"Foolish girl!" said Mrs. Lechmere, endeavouring to screen her pallid features, by drawing down her calash, with a hand that trem

Enough of this folly, Abigail Pray; I have come to learn more of your strange inmate

"Oh! 'tis enough, Madam Lechmere," interrupted the conscienceatricken woman; "we have so little time left us for penitence and prayer, that there never can be enough, I fear, to answer our mighty transgressions. Let us speak of the grave, Madam Lechmere, while we can yet do it on this side of eternity."

"Ay! speak of the grave, while out of its damp cloisters 'tis the home of the aged," said a third voice, whose hollow tones might well have issued from some tomb, "and I am here to join in the wholesome theme." Who-who-in the name of God, who art thou?" exclaimed Mrs. Lechmere, forgetting her infirmities and her secret compunctions, in new emotions, and rising involuntarily from her seat; "tell me, I conjure thee, who art thou?" "One, aged like thyself, Priscilla Lechmere, and standing on the threshold of that final home of which you would discourse. Speak on then, ye widowed woman; for if ever ye have done aught that calls for forgiveness, 'tis in the grave ye shall find the heavenly gift of mercy offered to your unworthiness."

By changing the position of his body a little, Lionel was now enabled to command a view of the whole apartment. In the door way stood Ralph, immoveable in his attitude, with one hand raised high towards heaven, and the other peinting impressively downward, as if about to lay bare the secrets of that tomb of which his wasted limbs, and faded lineaments, marked him as a fit tenant, while his searching eye-balls glared about him, from the face of one to the other, with that look of quickness and penetration that Abigail Pray had so well described as scorning. Within a few feet of the old man, Mrs. Lechmere remained standing, riged and motionless as marble, her calash fallen back, and her death-like features exposed, with horror and astonishment rooted in every muscle, as, with open mouth, and eyes riveted on the intruder, she gazed as steadily as if placed in that posture by the chisel of the statuary.

Abigail shaded her eyes with her hand, and buried her face in the folds of her garment, while strong convulsive shudderings ran through her frame, and betrayed the extent of the emotions she endeavoured to conceal. Amazed at what he had witnessed, and concerned for the apparent insensibility of his aunt, whose great age rendered such scenes dangerous, Lionel was about to rush into the apartment, when Mrs. Lechmere so far recovered her faculties as to speak, and the young man lost every consideration in a burning curiosity which was powerfully justified by his situation.

Who is it that calls me by the name of Priscilla ?" said Mrs. Lechmere ; 'none now lives who can claim to be so familiar."

"Priscilla, Priscilla," repeated the old man, looking about him, as if he would require the presence of another, "it is a soft and pleasant sound to my ears, and there is one that owns it besides thee, as thou knowest."

"She is dead; years have gone by since I saw her in her coffin; and I would forget her, and all like her, who have proved unworthy of my blood."

"She is not dead!"-shouted the old man, in a voice that rung through the naked rafters of the edifice like the unearthly tones of some spirit of the air; she lives-she lives-ay! she yet lives!" "Lives!" repeated Mrs. Lechmere, recoiling a step before the forward movement of the other; "why am I so weak as to listen? 'tis Impossible."

Lives!" exclaimed Abigail Pray, clasping her hands with agony. "Oh! would to God she did live! but did I not see her a bloated, disfigured corpse? did I not with these very hands place the graveclothes about her once lovely frame? Oh! no-she is dead-deadand I am a

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""Tis some madman that asserts these idle tales," exclaimed Mrs. Lechmere, with a quickness that interrupted the criminal epithet the other was about to apply to herself. The unfortunate girl is long since dead, as we know; why should we reason with a maniac?" "Manine!" repeated Ralph, with an expression of the most taunting irony; "no, no, no, such an one there is, as you and I well know, but 'tis not I who am mad-thou art rather crazed thyself, woman; hou hast made one maniac already; wouldst thou make another?" "I!" said Mrs. Lechmere, without quailing before the ardent look She encountered-" that God who bestows reason recalls his gift at will; 'tis not I who exercise such power."

"How sayest thou, Priscilla Lechmere?" cried Ralph, stepping with an inaudible tread so nigh as to grasp, unperceived, her motionless arm with his own wasted fingers; " yes, I will call thee Priscilla, little as thou deservest such a holy name-dost thou deny the power to craze-where, then, is the head of thy boasted race? the proud baronet of Devonshire, the wealthy, and respected, and once happy companion of princes-thy nephew, Lionel Lincoln? Is he in the halls of his fathers?-leading the armies of his king?-ruling and protecting his household?-or is he the tenant of a gloomy cell?thou knowest he is-thou knowest he is-and, woman, thy vile machinations have placed him there!"

"Who is it that dare thus speak to me?" demanded Mrs. Lechmere, rallying her faculties with a mighty effort, to look down this charge; if my unhappy nephew is indeed known to thee, thy own knowledge will refute this bass accusation

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"

"Known to me! I would ask what is hid from me? I have looked at thee, and observed thy conduct, woman, for the life of man; and nothing that thou hast done is hid from me: I tell thee I know all. Of this sinful woman here, also, I know all; have I not told thee, Abigail Pray, of thy most secret transgressions?"

"Oh! yes, yes; he is indeed acquainted with what I had thought was now concealed from every eye but that of God?" cried Abigail, with superstitious terror.

"Nor of thee am I ignorant, thou miserable widow of John Lechmere; and of Priscilla, too, do I not know all?" "All!" again exclaimed Abigail.

"All!" repeated Mrs. Lechmere, in a voice barely audible; when she sunk back in her chair, in a state of total insensibility. The breathless interest he felt in all that had passed, could detain Lionel no longer from rushing to the assistance of his aunt. Abigail Pray, who, it would seem, had been in some measure accustomed to such scenes with her lodger, retained, however, sufficient self-command to anticipate his motions; and when he had gained the door he found her already supporting, and making the usual applications to Mrs. Lechmere. It became necessary to divest the sufferer of part of her attire, and Abigail, assuring Lionel of her perfect competency to act by herself, requested him to withdraw, not only on that account, but because she felt assured that nothing could prove more dangerous to her reviving patient than his unexpected presence. After lingering a moment until he witnessed the signs of returning life, Lionel complied with the earnest entreaties of the woman, and, leaving the room, he groped his way to the foot of the ladder, with a determination to ascend to the apartment of Ralph, in order to demand at once an explanation of what he had just seen and heard. He found the old man seated in his little tower, his hand shading his eyes from the feeble light of the miserable candle, and his head drooping upon his bosom, like one in pensive musing. Lionel approached him, without appearing to attract his attention, and was compelled to speak in order to announce his presence.

"I have received your summons, by Job," he said, "and have obeyed it."

"Tis well," returned Ralph.

"Perhaps I should add, that I have been an astonished witness of your interview with Mrs. Lechmere, and have heard the bold and unaccountable language you have seen proper to use to that lady." The old man now raised his head, and Lionel saw the bright rays from his eyes quicken, as he answered

"You then heard the truth, and witnessed its effects on a guilty conscience."

"I also heard what you call the truth, in connection, as you know, with the names most dear to me."

"Art certain of it, boy?" retured Ralph, looking the other steadily in the face; "has no other become dearer to you, of late, than the authors of your being? Speak, and remember that you answer one of no common knowledge.'

"What mean you, sir?-is it nature to love any as we do a parent?"

"Away with this childish simplicity," continued the other sternly; "the grandchild of that wretched woman below-do you not love her, and can I put trust in thee?"

"What trust is there incompatible with affection for a being so pure as Cecil Dynevor?"

"Ay," murmured the old man in an under tone, "her mother was pure, and why may not the child be worthy of its parentage." He paused, and a long, and, on the part of Lionel, a painful and embarassing silence succeeded, which was at length broken by Ralph, who said, abruptly-"You were in the field to-day, Major Lincoln.' "Of that you must be certain, as I owe my life to your kind interposition. But why have you braved the danger of an arrest, by trusting your person in the power of the troops Your presence and activity among the Americans must be known to many in the army besides myself."

"And would they think of searching for their enemies within the streets of Boston, when the hills without are filling with armed men ? My residence in this building is known only to the woman below, who dare not betray me, her worthy son, and to you. My movements are secret and sudden, when men least expect them. Danger cannot touch such as I."

"But," said Lionel, hesitating with embarrassment, "ought I to conceal the presence of one whom I know to be inimical to my king?"

"Lionel Lincoln, you overrate your courage," interrupted Ralph, smiling in scorn-"you dare not shed the blood of him who has spared your own; but enough of this-we understand each other, and one old as I should be a stranger to fear!"

"No, no," said a low, solemn voice from a dark corner of the apartment, where Job had stolen unseen, and was now nestled in security-" you can't frighten Ralph!"

"The boy is a worthy boy, and he knows good from evil; what more is necessary to man in this wicked world?" mutterd Ralph, in those quick and indistinct tones that characterised his manner.

"Whence came you, fellow, and why did you abandon me so abruptly?" demanded Lionel.

"Job has just been into the market, to see if he couldn't find something that might be good for Nab," returned the lad.

"Think not to impose on me with this nonsense! Is food to be purchased at any hour of the night, though you had the means?" "Now, that is convincing the king's officers don't know everything," said the simpleton, laughing within himself. Here's as good a pound bill, old tenor, as was ever granted by the Bay colony; and meat's no such rarity that a man who has a pound bill, old tenor, in his pocket, can't go under old Funnel when he pleases, for all their acts of Parliament."

"You have plundered the dead!" cried Lionel, observing that Job exhibited in his hand several pieces of silver, besides the note he had mentioned.

"Don't call Job a thief!" said the lad, with a threatening air; "there's law in the Bay yet, though the people don't use it; and right will be done to all, when the time comes. Job shot a granny, but

he's no thief."

"You were, then, paid for your secret errand, last night, foolish boy; and have been tempted to run into danger by money. Let it be the last time; in future, when you want, come to me for assistance." "Job won't go of a'r'nds for the king, if he'd give him his golden crown, with all its di'monds and flauntiness, unless Job pleases, for there's no law for it."

Lionel, with a view to appease the irritated lad, now made a few kind and conciliating remarks, but the changeling did not deign to reply, falling back in his corner in a sullen manner, as if he would repair the fatigue of the day by a few moments of sleep. In the mean time, Ralph had sunk into a profound reverie, when the young soldier remembered that the hour was late, and he had yet obtained no explanation of the mysterious charges. He therefore alluded to the subject in a manner which he thought best adapted to obtain the desired intelligence. The instant Lionel mentioned the agitation of his aunt, his companion raised his head again, and a smile like that of a fierce exultation lighted the wan face of the old man, who answered, pointing with an emphatic gesture to his own bosom-

""Twas here boy, 'twas here-nothing short of the power of conscience, and a knowledge like that of mine, could strike that woman speechless in the presence of any thing human."

"But what is this extraordinary knowledge? I am in some degree the natural protector of Mrs. Lechmere; and, independent of my individual interest in your secret, have a right, in her behalf, to require an explanation of such serious allegations."

"In her behalf!" repeated Ralph. "Wait, impetuous young man, until she bids you push the inquiry--it shall then be answered, in a voice of thunder.'

"If not in justice to my aged aunt, at least remember your repeated promises to unfold that sad tale of my own domestic sorrows of which you claim to be the master."

This is neither the time, nor is it the place, where you are to hear the tale," returned Ralph; "I have already said that we shall meet beyond the colleges for that purpose."

But after the events of this day, who can tell when it will be in the power of an officer of the crown to visit the colleges in safety."What!" cried the old man, laughing aloud in the bitterness of his scorn," has the boy found the strength and the will of the despised colonists so soon? But I pledge to thee my word, that thou shalt yet see the place, and in safety.-Yes, yes, Priscilla Lechmere, the hour is at hand, and thy doom is sealed for ever!"

Lionel again mentioned his aunt, and alluded to the necessity of his soon rejoining her, as he already heard footsteps below, which indicated that preparations were making for her departure. But his petitions and remonstrances were now totally unheeded: his aged companion was pacing swiftly up and down his small apartments muttering incoherent sentences, in which the name of Priscilla was alone audible, and his countenance betraying the inward workings of absorbing and fierce passions. In a few moments more the shrill voice of Abigail was heard calling upon her son, in a manner which plainly denoted her knowledge that the changeling was concealed somewhere about the building. Job heard her calls repeated, until the tones of her voice became angry and threatening, when he stole slowly from his corner, and moved towards the ladder, with a sunken brow and lingering steps. Lionel now knew not how to act. Ilis aunt was still ignorant of his presence, and he thought if Abigail Pray had wished him to appear, he would in some manner be soon included in the summons. He had also his own secret reasons for wishing his visits to Ralph unknown. Accordingly, he determined to watch the movements below, under the favour of the darkness, and to be governed entirely by circumstances. He took no leave of his companion on departing, for long use had so far accustomed him to the eccentric manner of the old man, that he well knew any attempt to divert his attention from his burning thoughts would be futile at a moment of such intense excitement.

From the head of the ladder, where Lionel took his stand, he saw Mrs. Lechmere, preceded by Job with a lantern, walking, with a firmer step than he could have hoped for, towards the door, and he overheard Abigail cautioning her wilful son to light her visitor to a neighbouring corner, where it appeared a conveyance was in waiting. On the threshold, his aunt turned, and, the light from the candle of Abigail falling on her features, Lionel caught a full view of her cold, hard eye, which had regained all its worldly expression, though softened a little by a deeper shade of thought than usual. "Let the scene of to-night be forgotten, my good Abigail," she said; "Your lodger is a nameless being, who has gleamed some idle tale, and wishes to practice on our credulity to enrich himself. I will consider more of it; but on no account do you hold any further communion with him-I must remove you, my trusty woman; this habitation is unworthy of you, and of your beautiful son, too-I must see you better lodged, my good Abigail, indeed I must.'

Lionel could distinguish the slight shudder that passed through the frame of her companion, as she alluded to the doubtful character of Ralph; but, without answering, Abigail held the door open for the departure of her guest. The instant Mrs. Lechmere disappeared, Lionel glided down the ladder, and stood before the astonished woman. "When I tell you I have heard all that passed to-night," he abruptly said, "you will see the folly of any further attempt at conrealment-I now demand so much of your secret as affects the happiness of me or mine."

"No-no-not of me, Major Lincoln," said the terrified female"not of me, for the love of God, not of me--I have sworn to keep it, and one oath." Her emotions choked her, and her voice became in distinct.

Lionel regretted his vehemence, and, ashamed to extort a confession from a woman, he attempted to pacify her feelings, promising to require no further communication at that time.

"Go-go"-she said, motioning him to depart, "and I shall be well again-leave me, and then I shall be alone with that terrible old man, and my God!"

Perceiving her earnestness, he reluctantly complied, and, meeting Job on the threshold, he ceased to feel any further uneasiness for her safety.

During his rapid walk to Tremont-street, Major Lincoln thought intently on all he had heard and witnessed. He remembered the communications by which Ralph had attained such a powerful interest in his feelings, and he fancied he could discover a pledge of the truth of the old man's knowledge in the guilt betrayed by the manner of his aunt. From Mrs. Lechmere his thoughts recurred to her lovely grandchild, and for a moment he was perplexed by endeavouring to explain her contradictory deportment towards himself;-at one time she was warm, frank, and even affectionate; and at another, as in the short and private interview of that very evening, cold, constrained, and repulsive. Then again, he recollected the object which had chiefly induced him to follow his regiment to his native country; and the recollection was attended by that shade of dejection which such reflections never failed to cast across his intelligent features. On reaching the house, he ascertained the safe return of Mrs. Lechmere, who had already retired to her room, attended by her lovely relatives. Lionel iminediately followed their example; and as the excitement of that memorable and busy day subsided, it was succeeded by a deep sleep, that fell on his senses like the forgetfulness of the dead.

CHAPTER XIII.

THE alarm of the inroad passed swiftly by the low shores of the Atlantic, and was heard echoing among the rugged mountains west of the rivers, as if borne along on a whirlwind. The male population, between the rolling waters of Massachusetts Bay and the limpid stream of the Connecticut, rose as one man; and as the cry of blood was sounded far inland, the hills and valleys, the highways and footpaths, were seen covered with bands of armed husbandmen, pressing eagerly toward the scene of the war. Within eight-and-forty hours after the fatal meeting at Lexington, it was calculated that more than a hundred thousand men were in arms; and near one-fourth of that rumber was gathered before the peninsulas of Boston and Charlestown. They who were precluded by distance, and a want of military provisions, to support such a concourse, from participating in the inore immediate contest, lay by in expectation of the arrival of that moment when their zeal might also be put to severer trials. In short, the sullen quietude in which the colonies had been slumbering for a year was suddenly and rudely broken by the events of that day; and the patriotic among the people rose with such a cry of indignation on their lips, that the disaffected, who were no insignificant class in the more southern provinces, were compelled to silence, until the first burst of revolutionary excitement had an opportunity to subside, under the ever-failing influence of time and suffering.

Gage, secure in his positions, and supported by a constantly increasing power, as well as the presence of a formidable fleet, looked on the gathering storm with a steady eye, and with that calmness which distinguished the mild benevolence of his private character. Though the attitude and the intentions of the Americans could no longer be mistaken, he listened with reluctant ears to the revengeful advice of his counsellors, and rather strove to appease the tumult

heights were already crowned with hastily-formed works of art, and a formidable body of these unpractised warriors had set themselves boldly down before the entrance to the isthmus, cutting off all communication with the adjacent country, and occupying the little village of Roxbury, directly before the muzzles of the British guns, with a hardiness that would not have disgraced men much longer tried in the field, and more inured to its dangers.

The surprise created in the army by these appearances of skill and spirit among the hitherto despised Americans, in some measure ceased when the rumour spread itself in their camp, that many gentlemen of the provinces, who had served with credit in the forces of the crown at former periods, were mingled with the people in stations of responsibility and command. Among others Lionel heard the names of Ward and Thomas; men of liberal attainments, and of some experience in arms. Both were regularly commissioned by the congress of the colony as leaders of their forces; and under their orders were numerous regiments duly organized, possessing all the necessary qualifications of soldiers, excepting the two indispensable requisites of discipline and arms. Lionel heard the name of Warren mentioned oftener than any other in the circles of Province House, and with that sort of bitterness which, even while it bespoke their animosity, betrayed the respect of his enemies. This gentleman, who until the last moment had braved the presence of the royal troops, and fearlessly advocated his principles, while encircled with their bayonets, was now known to have suddenly disappeared from among them, abandoning home, property, and a lucrative profession; and by sharing in the closing scenes of the day of Lexington, to have fairly cast his fortunes on the struggle. But the name which in secret possessed the greatest charm for the ear of the young British soldier was that of Putnam, a yeoman of the neighbouring colony of Connecticut, who, as the uproar of the alarm whirled by him, literally deserted his plough, and mounting a beast from its team, made an early halt, after a forced march of a hundred miles, in the foremost rank of his countrymen. While the name of this sturdy American was passing in whispers among the veterans who crowded the levees of Gage, a flood of melancholy and tender recollections flashed through the brain of the young man. He remembered the frequent and interesting communications which, in his boyhood, he had held with his own father, before the dark shade had passed cross the reason of Sir Lionel, and, in every tale of murderous combats with the savage tenants of the wilds, in each scene of danger and of daring that had distinguished the romantic warfare of the wilderness, and even in strange and fear

Mentor, confidential servant of Lionel Lincoln

allegiance which the people still denied had ever been impaired, were lost amid the din of arms, and the popular cries of the time. These appeals of the British general, as well as sundry others, made by the royal governors, who yet held their rule throughout all the provinces, except the one in which the scene of our tale is laid, were answered by the people in humble but manly petitions to the throne for justice; and in loud remonstrances to the Parliament, requiring to be restored to the possession of those rights and immunities which should be secured to all who enjoyed the protection of their common constitution. Still the power and prerogatives of the prince were deeply respected, and were alluded to in all public documents with the veneration which was thought due to the sacredness of his character and station. But that biting, though grave, sarcasm which the colonists knew so well how to use was freely expended on his ministers, who were accused of devising the measures so destructive to the peace of the empire. In this manner passed some weeks after the series of skirmishes which were called the Battle of Lexington, from the circumstance of commencing at the hamlet of that name, both parties continuing to prepare for a mightier exhibition of their power and daring.

Lionel had by no means been an unconcerned spectator of these preparations. The morning after the return of the detachment he applied for a command, equal to his just expectations. But while he was complimented on the spirit and loyalty he had manifested on the late occasion, it was intimated to the young man that he might be of more service to the cause of his prince, by devoting his time to the cultivation of his interest among those powerful colonists with whom his family was allied by blood, or connected by long and close intimacies. It was even submitted to his own judgment whether it would not be well, at some auspicious moment, to trust his person without the defences of the army, in the prosecution of this commendable design. There was so much that was flattering to the self

will teach 'em the law "p. 40.

Gage had already abandoned his temporary position in Charlestown, for the sake of procuring additional security by concentrating his force. From the hills of the peninsula of Boston it was apparent that the colonists were fast assuming the front of men who were resolved eleaguer they of the king. Many of the oppe site

ful encounters with the beasts of the forest, the name of this man was blended with a species of chivalrous fame that is seldom obtained in an enlightened age, and never undeservedly. The great wealth of the family of Lincoln, and the high expectations of its heir, had obtained for the latter a military rank which at that period was rarely enjoyed by any but such as had bought the distinction by long and arduous services. Consequently, many of his equals had shared in those trials of his father, in which the Lior heart' of America had been so

conspicuous for his deeds. By these grave veterans who should know him best, the name of Putnam was always mentioned with strong and romantic affection; and when the notable scheme of detaching him, by the promise of office and wealth, from the cause of the colonists, was proposed by the cringing counsellors who surrounded the commander-in-chief, it was listened to with a contemptuous incredulity by the former associates of the old partisan, that the result of the plan fully justified. Similar inducements were offered to others among the Americans whose talents were thought worthy of purchase; but such deep root had the principles of the day taken, that not a man of any note was found to listen to the proposition. While these subtile experiments were adopted in the room of more energetic measures, troops continued to arrive from England, and, before the end of May, many leaders of renown appeared in the councils of Gage, who now possessed a disposable force of not less than eight thousand bayonets. With the appearance of these reinforcements, the fallen pride of the army began to revive; and the spirits of the haughty young men who had so recently left the gay parades of their boasted island, were chafed by the reflection that such an army should be cooped within the narrow limits of the peninsula by a band of half-armed husbandmen, destitute alike of the knowledge of war, and of most of its munitions. This feeling was increased by the taunts of the Americans themselves, who now turned the tables on their adversaries, applying, among other sneers, the term "elbow-room" freely to Burgoyne, one of those chieftains of the royal army who had boasted unwittingly of the intention of himself and his compeers to widen the limits of the army immediately on their arrival at the scene of the contest. The aspect of things within the British camp began to indicate, however, that their leaders were serious in the intention to extend their possessions, and all eyes were again turned to the heights of Charlestown, the spot most likely to be first occupied.

No military positions could be more happily situated, as respects locality, to support each other, and to extend and weaken the lines of their enemies, than the two opposite peninsulas so often mentioned. The distance between them was but six hundred yards, and the deep and

counsels with which they poisoned his mind, and prepared him for acts of injustice and harshness that both his unbiassed feelings and ordinary opinions would have condemned. A few days succeeding the affair of Lexington, a meeting of the inhabitants had been convened, and a solemn compact was made between them and the governor, that such as chose to deliver up their arms might leave the place, while the remainder were promised a suitable protection in their own dwellings. The arms were delivered, but that part of the conditions which related to the removal of the inhabitants was violated under slight and insufficient pretexts. This, and various other causes incidental to military rule, imbittered the feelings of the people, and furnished new causes of complaint; while, on the other hand, hatred was rapidly usurping the place of contempt, in the breasts of those who had been compelled to change their sentiments with respect to a people that they could never love. In this manner, resentment and distrust existed, with all the violence of personality, within the place itself, affording an additional reason to the troops for wishing to extend their limits. Nothwithstanding these in

navigable waters by which they were nearly surrounded, rendered it easy for the royal general to command, at any time, the assistance of the heaviest vessels of the fleet, in defending either place. With these advantages before them, the army gladly heard those orders issued, which, it was well understood, indicated an approaching movement to the opposite shores.

It was now eight weeks since the commencement of hostilities, and the war had been confined to the preparations detailed, with the exception of one or two sharp skirmishes on the islands of the harbour, between the foreagers of the army, and small parties of the Americans, in which the latter well maintained their newly acquired reputation for spirit.

With the arrival of the regiments from England, gaiety had once more visited the town, though such of the inhabitants as were compelled to remain against their inclinations, continued to maintain that cold reserve in their deportment which effectually repelled all the efforts of the officers to include them in the wanton festivities of the time. There were a few, however, among the colonists, who had been bribed, by offices and emoluments, to desert the good cause of the land; and as some of these had already been rewarded by offices which gave them access to the ear of the royal governor, he was thought to be unduly and unhappily influenced by the pernicious

auspicious omens of the character of the contest, the native kindness of Gage, and, perhaps, a desire to rescue a few of his own men from the hands of the colonists, induced him to consent to an exchange of the prisoners made in the inroad; thus establish

ing, in the outset, a precedent to distinguish the controversy from an ordinary rebellion against the loyal authority of the sovereign. A meeting was held, for this purpose, in the village of Charlestown, at that time unoccupied by either army. At the head of the American deputation appeared Warren, and the old partisan of the wilderness already mentioned, who, by a happy, though not uncommon constitution of temperament, was as forward in deeds of charity as in those of daring. At this interview several of the veterans of the royal army were present, naving passed the strait to hold a last, friendly converse with their ancient comrade, who received them with the frankness of a soldier, while he rejected their subtle endeavours to entice him from the banners under which he had enlisted, with a sturdiness as unpretending as it was inflexible.

While these events were occurring at the

great scene of the contest, the hum of preparation was to be heard throughout the whole of the wide extent of the colonies. In various places slight acts of hostility were committed, the Americans no longer waiting for the British to be the aggressors, and everywhere such military stores as could be reached were seized, peaceably or by violence, as the case required. The concentration of most of the troops in Boston had, however, left the other colonies comparatively but little to achieve, though, while they still rested, nominally, under the dominion of the crown, they neglected no means within their power to assert their rights in the last extremity.

At Philadelphia "the Congress of the Delegates from the United Colonies," the body that controlled the great movements of a people, who now first began to act as a distinct nation, issued their manifestos, supporting, in a masterly manner, their principles, and proceeeded to organise an army that should be as competent to maintain them as circumstances would allow. Gentlemen who had been trained to arms in the service of the king were invited to resort to their banners, and the remainder of the vacancies were filled by the names of the youthful, the bold, and adventurous, who were willing to risk their lives in a cause where even success promised so little personal advantage. At the head of this list of untrained warriors, the congress placed one of their own body, a man already distinguished