CHAPTER XII.

At day-break on the rooming of Sunday, the 16th of August,

the fire from the batteries was resumed, and with a fury

that must have satisfied the Americans, even had they

been ignorant of the purpose, it was intended to cover

some ulterior plan of operation on the part of the British

General. Their own object appeared rather to make

preparation of defence against the threatened assault,

than to return a cannonade, which, having attained its

true range, excessively annoyed and occasioned them much

loss. Meanwhile every precaution had been taken to secure

the safe transport of the army. The flotilla, considerably

superior at the outset of the war, to that of the Americans,

had worked up the river during the night, and anchored

in the middle lay with their broadsides ready to open

upon any force that might appear to oppose the landing

of the troops, while numerous scows, for the transport

of a light brigade of horse artillery, and all the boats

and batteaux that could be collected, added to those of

the fleet, lay covering the sands, ready to receive their

destined burdens. At length the embarkation was completed,

and the signal having been given, the several divisions

of boats moved off in the order prescribed to them. Never

did a more picturesque scene present itself to the human

eye, than during the half hour occupied in the transit

of this little army. The sun was just rising gloriously

and unclouded, as the first division of boats pushed from

the shore, and every object within the British and American

line of operation, tended to the production of an effect,

that was little in unison with the anticipated issue of

the whole. Not a breeze ruffled the fair face of the

placid Detroit, through which the heavily laden boats

now made their slow, but certain way, and a spectator

who, in utter ignorance of events, might hare been suddenly

placed on the Canadian hank, would have been led to

imagine, that a fete, not a battle, was intended.

Immediately above the village of Sandwich, and in full

view of the American Fort, lay the English flotilla at

anchor, their white sails half clewed up, their masts

decked with gay pendants, and their taffrails with,

ensigns that lay drooping over their sterns into the

water, as if too indolent to bear up against the coming

sultriness of the day. Below these, glittering in bright

scarlet, that glowed not unpleasingly on the silvery

stream, the sun's rays dancing on their polished muskets

and accoutrements, glided like gay actors in an approaching

pageant, the columns destined for the assault, while

further down, and distributed far and wide over the

expanse of water, were to be seen a multitude of canoes,

filled with Indian warriors, whose war costume could not,

in the distance, be distinguished from that of the dance;

the whole contributing, with the air of quietude on both

shores, and absence of all opposition on the American

especially, to inspire feelings of joyousness and pleasure,

rather than the melancholy consequent on a knowledge of

the final destination of the whole. Nor would the incessant

thunder of the cannon in the distance, have in any way

diminished this impression; for as the volumes of smoke,

vomited from the opposing batteries, met and wreathed

themselves together in the centre of the stream, leaving

at intervals the gay colours of England and America,

brightly displayed to the view, the impression, to a

spectator, would have been that of one who witnesses the

exchange of military honors between two brave and friendly

powers, preparing the one to confer, the other to receive

all the becoming courtesies of a chivalrous hospitality.

If any thing were wanting to complete the illusion, the

sound of the early mass bell, summoning to the worship

of that God whom no pageantry of man may dispossess of

homage, would amply crown and heighten the effect of the

whole, while the chaunting of the hymn of adoration,

would appear a part of the worship of the Deity, and of

the pageantry itself.

Vying, each with the other, who should first gain the

land, the exertions of the several rowers increased, as

the distance to be traversed diminished, so that many

arrived simultaneously at the beach. Forming in close

column of sections as they landed, the regular troops

occupied the road, their right flank resting on the river,

while a strong body of Indians under Round-head, Split-log,

and Walk-in-the-Water, scouring the open country beyond,

completely guarded their left from surprise. Among the

first to reach the shore, was the gallant General, the

planner of the enterprise, who, with his personal staff,

crossed the river in the barge of the Commodore, steered

by that officer himself. During the short period that

the columns were delayed for the landing of the artillery,

necessarily slower in their movements, a short conference

among the leaders, to whom were added Tecumseh and Colonel

D'Egville, as to their final operations, took place.

Never did the noble Indian appear to greater advantage

than on this occasion. A neat hunting dress, of smoked

deer skin, handsomely ornamented, covered his fine and

athletic person, while the swarthiness of his cheek and

dazzling lustre of his eye, were admirably set off, not

only by the snow white linen which hung loose and open

about his throat, but by a full turban, in which waved

a splendid white Ostrich feather, the much prized gift,

as we have already observed, of Mrs. D'Egville. Firmly

seated, on his long tailed gray charger, which he managed

with a dexterity uncommon to his race, his warrior and

commanding air, might have called up the image of a

Tamerlane, or a Genghis Khan, were it not known, that to

the more savage qualities of these, he united others that

would lend lustre to the most civilized Potentates. There

was, however, that ardor of expression in his eye which

rumor had ascribed to him, whenever an appeal to arms

against the deadly foe of his country was about to be

made, that could not fail to endear him to the soldier

hearts of time who stood around, and to inspire them with

a veneration and esteem, not even surpassed by what they

entertained for their own immediate leader, who in his

turn, animated by the inspiriting scene, and confident

in his own powers, presented an appearance so anticipatory

of coining success, that the least sanguine could not

fail to be encouraged by it.

It had been arranged that on the landing of the troops,

the flotilla should again weigh anchor, and approach as

near as possible to the American Fort, with a view, in

conjunction with the batteries, to a cross-fire that

would cover the approach of the assaulting columns. The

Indians, meanwhile, were to disperse themselves throughout

the skirt of the forest, and, headed by the Chiefs already

named, to advance under whatever they might find in the

shape of hedges, clumps of trees, or fields, sufficiently

near to maintain a heavy fire from their rifles on such

force as might appear on the ramparts to oppose the

assault--a task in which they were to be assisted by the

brigade of light guns charged with shrapnell and grape.

Tecumseh himself, accompanied by Colonel D'Egville, was

with the majority of his warriors, to gain the rear of

the town, there to act at circumstances might require.

To this, as an inferior post, the Chieftain had at first

strongly objected, but when it was represented to him

that the enemy, with a view to turn the English flank on

the forest side, would probably detach in that direction

a strong force, which he would have the exclusive merit

of encountering, he finally assented; urged to it, as he

was, moreover, by the consideration that his pretence

would be effectual in repressing any attempt at massacre,

or outrage, of the helpless inhabitants, by his wild and

excited bands.

The guns being at length disembarked and limbered, every

thing was now in readiness for the advance. The horses

of the General and his staff, had crossed in the scows

appropriated to the artillery, and his favorite charger,

being now brought up by his groom, the former mounted

with an activity and vigour, not surpassed even by the

youngest of his aides-de-camp, while his fine and martial

form, towered above those around him, in a manner to

excite admiration in all who beheld him. Giving his brief

instructions to his second in command, he now grasped

and shook the hand of his dark brother in aims, who,

patting spurs to his horse, dashed off with Colonel

D'Egville into the open country on the left, in the

direction taken by his warriors, while the General and

his staff, boldly, and without escort, pursued their way

along the high road at a brisk trot. The Commodore in

his torn, sprang once more into his barge, which, impelled

by stout hearts, and willing hands, was soon seen to gain

the side of the principal vessel of the little squadron,

which, rapidly getting under weigh, had already loosened

its sails to catch the light, yet favorable breeze, now

beginning to curl the surface of the river.

The little army composing this adventurous expedition,

consisted of about five hundred men of the regular troops,

forming the garrison of Amherstburgh, to which had been

added about three hundred well organized militia, from

the central district--volunteers on the occasion, and

habited in a manner to give them the appearance of troops

of the line--in all, however, there were not more than

eight hundred men, exclusive of Indians; yet, these were

advancing, confident of success, against a fortress

defended with five and thirty pieces of cannon, and

garrisoned by upwards of two thousand men. A stronger

illustration of what the directing powers of a master

mind may accomplish, over those under its control, was

probably never afforded more than on this occasion. One

would have imagined, from the reckless laugh and ready

repartee, which marked the early part of the march, that

they expected to possess themselves of the Fort merely

by the will of their General, and without suffering any

of those contingencies which are the unfailing results

of such enterprizes. In short, it seemed as if they

thought that whatever be directed, they could perform,

no matter what the difficulty; and such was their exuberance

of spirits, that it was not without effort, that their

officers, making all due allowance for the occasion,

could keep them within those bounds required by discipline,

and by the occasion.

During all this time, the cannon from our batteries, but

faintly answered by the Americans, had continued to

thunder without intermission, and as the columns drew

nearer, each succeeding discharge came upon the ear with

increased and more exciting loudness. Hitherto the view

had been obstructed by the numerous farm houses and other

buildings, that skirted the windings of the road, but

when at length the column emerged into more open ground,

the whole scene burst splendidly and imposingly upon the

sight. Within half a mile, and to the left, rose the

American ramparts, surmounted by the national flag,

suspended from a staff planted on the identical spot

which had been the scene of the fearful exploit of Wacousta

in former days. Bristling with cannon, they seemed now

to threaten with extermination those who should have the

temerity to approach them, and the men, awed into silence,

regarded them with a certain air of respects. Close under

the town were anchored the American vessels of war, which,

however, having taken no part in returning the bombardment,

had been left unmolested across the river, and in full

view of all, was to be seen the high ground where the

batteries had been erected and, visible at such intervals

as the continuous clouds of smoke and flashes of fire

would permit, the Union Jack of England floating above

the whole; while in the river and immediately opposite

to the point the columns had now reached, the English

flotilla, which had kept pace with their movements, were

already taking up a position to commence their raking

fire. What more than all, however, attracted the general

attention, was the appearance of two or three heavy guns,

crowning the ascent of the sloping road by which they

had advanced, and now, at the distance of not quite half

a mile, defending the entrance to the town. If the British

force had felt surprise at the non-resistance to their

landing, that surprise was increased to astonishment on

finding that not one of these guns, which might hare

raked the entire column, destroying numbers in the choked

up road, opened upon them: Had the Americans done as they

might, many a British soldier would have there found his

grave; but Providence had decreed that a day so fair and

beautiful, commencing in the homage of human hearts to

the source of all good, should not be sullied by the

further shedding of human blood.

It was on reaching this point of the road, that the little

army, obedient to the command of the General, who from

a farm house on the left, was then examining the American

defences, filed off past the house into a large field,

preparatory to forming into column to attack. Scarcely,

however, had the General descended to the field to make

his dispositions, when it was observed that the batteries

had suddenly discontinued their fire, and on looking to

ascertain the cause, a white flag was seen waving on the

eminence where the heavy guns just alluded to had been

placed. While all were yielding to their surprise at this

unexpected circumstance, De Courcy, who by the direction

of his General, had remained reconnoitring with his

telescopes at the top of the house, announced that an

officer, bearing a smaller white flag, was then descending

the road, with an evident view to a parley.

"Ah! is it even so?" exclaimed the General, with vivacity,

as if to himself. "Quick, my horse! I must go to meet

him. He has seen that we have stout hearts--but he must

not perceive the weakness of our numbers. Captain Stanley--

De Courcy--mount--St. Julian (turning to his second in

command) finish what I have begun--let the columns be

got ready in the order I have directed. We may have need

of them yet."

So saying he once more sprang into his saddle, and

accompanied by his young aides-de-camp, galloped past the

line of admiring troops, who involuntarily cheered him as

he passed; and quitting the field hastened to leach the

flag, before the bearer could approach sufficiently near

to make any correct observation respecting his force.

Nearly twenty minutes of anxious suspense had succeeded

the departure of the officer, when De Courcy again made

his appearance at full speed.

"Hurrah! hurrah !" he shouted, as he approached a large

group of his more immediate companions, who were canvassing

the probable termination of this pacific demonstration

on the part of the enemy--"the Fort is our own," (then

turning to the second in command,) "Colonel St. Julian,

it is the General's desire that the men pile their arms

on the ground they occupy, and refresh themselves with

whatever their haver sacks contain."

"How is this, De Courcy." "Surely the Americans do not

capitulate"--"Is it to be child's play after all." "Dom

it mon who would ha' thoat it poossible? "were among the

various remarks made to the young aid-de-camp, on his

return from the delivery of the last order.

"Heaven only knows how, Granville," said the vivacious

officer, in reply to the first querist; "but certainly

it is something very like it, for the General, accompanied

by Stanley, has entered the town under the flag. However

before we discuss the subject further, I vote that we

enter the farm house and discuss wherewith to satisfy

our own appetites--I saw a devilish pretty girl just

now--one who seemed to have no sort of objection to a

handsome scarlet uniform whatever her predilection for

a blue with red facings may formerly have been. She looked

so good naturedly on Stanley and myself, that we should

have ogled her into a breakfast ere this, had not the

General sworn he would not break his fast until he had

planted the colours of England on yon fortress, or failed

in the attempt. Of course we, as young heroes, could not

think of eating after that. But come along-Nay Cranstoun,

do not look as if you were afraid to budge an inch without

an order in writing--I have it in suggestion from Colonel

St. Julian, that we go in and do the best we can.

"Hoot De Courcy, yer' speerits are so floostersome one

would be inclined to theenk ye were not at all soorry to

see the white cloot flying on yonder hill--"

"Bravo Cranstoun," said Villiers somewhat maliciously;

"hard hit there De Courcy, eh!"

"Not so HARD HIT either as he might have been had he

ventured into yonder trenches," said Middlemore.

"If Cranstoun means that I prefer entering the place with

a whole head rather than a BARE skin, I honestly confess

that such is my peculiar taste," answered De Courcy,

significantly smiling.

"Nay, nay De Courcy, you are too severe on poor Cranstoun,"

said Captain Granville with provoking sympathy--"that

unfortunate bear skin affair should not be revived again,

and so immediately in the theatre near which it occurred.

"Particularly when we consider from what DIFFICULT-TIE

he was released" said Middlemore, who even under the

cannon's mouth could not have forborne his inveterate

habit.

"It is the sight of the old place that has stirred up

his bile," remarked Captain Molineux. "Usually good

tempered as he is, he would not have taken offence at De

Courcy's unmeaning remark at any other moment."

"A very nice adventure that--I frequently think of it,"

said Villiers, adding his mite to the persiflage all

appeared determined to bestow upon the touchy grenadier.

"Yes, quite AN ICE adventure," chimed in Middlemore, with

the low chuckling laugh that betrayed his consciousness

of having something not wholly intolerable.

But Cranstoun, now that his ludicrous disaster had been

brought up, was not to be shaken from the imperturbability

he ever adopted when it became a topic of conversation

among his companions. Drawing his lengthy legs after him

with slow and solemn precision, he continued to whistle

a Scotch air, in utter seeming abstraction from all

around, and in his attempt to appear independent and

perfectly at his ease, nearly ran down the pretty girl

alluded to by De Courcy, who stood in the door way

curtseying graciously, and welcoming each of the British

officers, as they passed into the house.

"Bread, eggs, milk, fruit, cider, and whatever the remains

of yesterday's meal afforded, were successively brought

forward by the dark eyed daughter of the farmer, who, as

De Courcy had remarked, seemed by no means indisposed

towards the gay looking invaders of her home. There was

a recklessness about the carriage of most of these, and

even a foppery about some, that was likely to be any

thing but displeasing to a young girl, who, French Canadian

by birth, although living under the Government of the

United States, possessed all the natural vivacity of

character peculiar to the original stock. Notwithstanding

the pertinacity with which her aged father lingered in

the room, the handsome and elegant De Courcy contrived

more than once to address her in an under tone, and elicit

a blush that greatly heightened the brilliant expression

of her large black eyes, and Villiers subsequently declared

that he had remarked the air of joyousness and triumph

that pervaded her features on the young aid-de-camp

promising to return to the farm as soon as the place had

been entered, and leisure afforded him.

"But the particulars of the flag, De Courcy," said Captain

Granville, as he devoured a hard boiled turkey egg, which

in quantity fully made up for what it wanted in quality.

"When you have finished flirting with that unfortunate

girl, come and seat yourself quietly, and tell us what

passed between the General and the--officer who bore it.

Why, I thought you had a devil of an appetite just now?"

"Ah, true," returned the young man, taking his seat at

the rude naked table which bore their meal. "I had quite

forgotten my appetite-mais ca viendra en mangent, n'est-ce

pas?" and he looked at the young girl.

"Plait-il, monsieur?"

"Tais toi ma fille--ce n'est pas a toi qu'on parle,"

gruffly remarked her father.

"The old boy is becoming savage at your attentions,"

remarked Villiers, "you will get the girl into a scrape."

"Bah," ejaculated De Courcy, "Well but of the General.

Who think you was the bearer of the flag. No other than

that fine looking fellow, Colonel--what's his name, who

came to us the other day."

"Indeed, singular enough--what said the General to him,

on meeting?" asked Henry Grantham.

"'Well, Colonel,' said he smiling, 'you see I have kept

my word. This is the day on which I promised that we

should meet again.'

"What answer did he make?" demanded Villiers.

"'True, General, and most happily have you chosen. But

one day sooner and we should have dared your utmost in

our strong-hold: Today,' and he spoke in a tone of deep

mortification, 'we have not resolution left to make a

show even in vindication of our honor. In a word, I am

here to conduct you to those who will offer terms derogatory

at once to our national character, and insulting to our

personal courage.'

"The General," pursued De Courcy, "respecting the

humiliated manner of the American, again bowed, but said

nothing--After a moment of pause, the latter stated that

the Governor and Commander of the fortress were waiting

to receive and confer with him as to the terms of

capitulation. Whether the General had calculated upon

this want of nerve in his antagonist, I know not, but on

the communication of the intelligence I remarked a slight

curl upon his lip, that seemed to express the triumph of

one whose ruse had taken. This might or might not be,

however, for as you are all aware, I pretend to very

little observation except (and he turned his eye upon

the daughter of their host,) where there is a pretty girl

in the case. All I know is, that, attended by Stanley,

he has accompanied the flag into the town, and that,

having no immediate occasion for my valuable services,

he sent me back to give to Colonel St. Julian the order

you have heard.

"How vary extraordinary, to soorrender the ceetadel

without firing a shoat," said Cranstoun, who ever ready

to fight as to eat, seemed rather disappointed at the

issue, if one might judge from the lengthened visage with

which he listened to these tidings.

"Singular enough," added Captain Granville. "Did the

Colonel hint at any cause for this sudden change of

purpose, De Courcy."

"Oh, by the way, yes, I had forgotten. He stated with a

sneer of contempt, that he believed the nerves of the

Governor had been shaken by the reports conveyed to him

of the destructive nature of the fire from the batteries,

the centre of which especially had so completely got the

range that every shot from it came into the fortress with

fearful effect. One point blank in particular, had entered

the gate which was open, and killed and wounded four

officers of rank, who were seated at breakfast in one of

their barrack rooms, while a second had carried off no

less than three surgeons."

"Well done, Gerald," exclaimed Captain Granville, delighted

at the reflection, that he had been so mainly instrumental

in determining the surrender of the Fort."

"Cleverly done, indeed," said Villiers, "that is pinking

off the pill-boxes with a vengeance--an Indian rifle

could not do better."

"It is by breeking the heeds of her coontrymen, A suppoose,

he hopes to gain the feevor of his meestriss," drawled

out Cranstoun. "A do na theenk she is joost the one to

forgeeve that."

The deep roll of the drum summoning to fall in, drew them

eagerly to their respective divisions. Captain Stanley,

the senior aid-de-camp was just returned with an order

for the Several columns to advance and take up their

ground close under the ramparts of the Fort.

It was an interesting and a novel sight, to see the

comparatively insignificant British columns, flanked by

the half dozen light guns which constituted their whole

artillery, advance across the field, and occupy the plain

or common surrounding the Fort, while the Americans on

the ramparts appeared to regard with indignation and

surprise, the mere handful of men to whom they were about

to be surrendered. Such a phenomenon in modern warfare

as that of a weak besieging force bearding a stronger in

their hold, might well excite astonishment; and to an

army, thrice as numerous as its captors, occupying a

fortress well provided with cannon, as in this instance,

must have been especially galling. More than one of the

officers, as he looked down from his loftier and more

advantageous position, showed by the scowl that lingered

on his brow, how willingly he would have applied the

match to the nearest gun whose proximity to his enemies

promised annihilation to their ranks. But the white flag

still waved in the distance, affording perfect security

to those who had confided in their honor, and although

liberty and prosperity, and glory were the sacrifice,

that honor might not be tarnished.

At length the terms of capitulation being finally adjusted,

De Courcy, who, with his brother aid-de-camp, had long

since rejoined the General, came up with instructions

for a guard to enter and take possession preparatory to

the Americans marching out. Detachments from the flank

companies, under the command of Captain Granville, with

whom were Middlemore and Henry Grantham, were selected

for the duty, and these now moved forward, with drums

beating and colours flying, towards the drawbridge then

lowering to admit them.

The area of the fort in no way enlarged, and but slightly

changed in appearance, since certain of our readers first

made acquaintance with it, was filled with troops, and

otherwise exhibited all the confusion incident to

preparations for an immediate evacuation. These

preparations, however were made with a savageness of mien

by the irregulars, and a sullen silence by all, that

attested how little their inclination had been consulted

in the decision of their Chief. Many an oath was muttered,

and many a fierce glance was cast by the half civilized

back-woodsmen, upon the little detachment as it pursued

its way, not without difficulty, through the dense masses

that seemed rather to oppose than aid their advance to

the occupancy of the several posts assigned them.

One voice, deepest and most bitter in its half suppressed

execration, came familiarly on the ear of Henry Grantham,

who brought up the rear of the detachment. He turned

quickly in search of the speaker, but, although he felt

persuaded it was Desborough who had spoken, coupling his

own name even with his curses, the ruffian was no where

to be seen. Satisfied that he must be within the Fort,

and determined if possible, to secure the murderer who

had, moreover, the double crime of treason and desertion,

to be added to his list of offences, the young officer

moved to the head of the detachment when halted, and

communicated what he heard to Captain Granville. Entering

at once into the views of his subaltern, and anxious to

make an example of the traitor, yet unwilling to act

wholly on his own responsibility, Captain Granville

dispatched an orderly to Colonel St. Julian to receive

his instructions. The man soon returned with a message

to say that Desborough was by all means to be detained,

and secured, until the General, who was still absent,

should determine on his final-disposal.

Meanwhile the sentinels at the several posts having been

relieved, and every thing ready for their departure, the

American army, leaving their arms piled in the area,

commenced their evacuation of the Fort, the artillery

and troops of the line taking the lead. Scarcely had

these defiled across the draw-bridge into the road that

conducted to a large esplanade in front, to which their

baggage had previously been transported, when--amid a

roar of artillery from the opposite batteries, the

flotilla, and ramparts themselves--the flag of America

was lowered, and that of England raised in its stead. In

the enthusiasm of the moment, the men on the rampart

employed on duty gave three cheers, which were answered

by the columns without, who only waited until the last

of the Garrison should have crossed the drawbridge, before

they entered themselves. Watchfully alive to the order

that had been received, Captain Granville and Henry

Grantham lingered near the gate, regarding, yet with an

air of carelessness, every countenance among the irregular

troops as they issued forth. Hitherto their search had

been ineffectual, and to their great surprise, although

the last: few files of the prisoners were now in the act

of passing them, there was not the slightest trace of

Desborough. It was well known that the fort had no other

outlet, and any man attempting to escape over the ramparts,

must have been seen and taken either by the troops or by

the Indians, who in the far distance completely surrounded

them. Captain Granville intimated the possibility of

Henry Grantham having been deceived in the voice, but

the latter as pertinaciously declared he could not be

mistaken, for, independently of his former knowledge of

the man, his tones had so peculiarly struck him on the

day when he made boastful confession of his father's

murder, that no time could efface them from his memory.

This short discussion terminated just as the last few

files were passing. Immediately in the rear of these were

the litters, on which were borne such of the wounded as

could be removed from the hospital without danger. These

were some thirty in number, and it seemed to both officers

as somewhat singular, that the faces of all were, in

defiance of the heat of the day, covered with the sheets

that had been spread over each litter. For a moment the

suspicion occurred Jo Grantham, that Desborough might be

of the number; but when he reflected on the impossibility

that any of the wounded men could be the same whose voice

had sounded so recently in the full vigour of health in

his ear, he abandoned the idea. Most of the wounded, as

they passed, indicated by low and feeble moaning, the

inconvenience they experienced from the motion to which

they were subjected, and more or less expressed by the

contortions of their limbs, the extent of their sufferings.

An exception to this very natural conduct was remarked

by Grantham, in the person of one occupying nearly a

central position in the line, who was carried with

difficulty by the litter-men. He lay perfectly at his

length, and without any exhibition whatever of that

impatient movement which escaped his companions. On the

watchful eye of Grantham, this conduct was not lost. He

had felt a strong inclination from the first, to uncover

the faces of the wounded men in succession, and had only

been restrained from so doing by the presence of the

American medical officer who accompanied them, whom he

feared to offend by an interference with his charge.

Struck as he was however by the remarkable conduct of

the individual alluded to, and the apparently much greater

effort with which he was carried, he could not resist

the temptation which urged him to know more.

"Stay," he exclaimed to the bearers of the litter, as

they were in the act of passing. The men stopped. "This

man, if not dead, is evidently either dying or fainting

--give him air."

While speaking he had advanced a step or two, and now

extending his right hand endeavoured gently to pull down

the sheet from the head of the invalid, but the attempt

was vain. Two strong and nervous arms were suddenly

raised and entwined in the linen, in a manner to resist

all his efforts.

Grantham glanced an expressive look at Captain Granville.

The latter nodded his head in a manner to show he was

understood, then desiring the litter-men to step out of

the line and deposit their burden, he said to the medical

officer with the sarcasm that so often tinged his address.

"I believe, sir, your charge embraces only the wounded

of the garrison. This dead man can only be an incumbrance

to you, and it shall be my care that his body is properly

disposed of."

The officer coloured and looked confused. "Really, sir,

you must be mistaken."

But Captain Granville cut short his remonstrance, by an

order to the file of men in his rear, who each seizing

on the covering of the litter, dragged it forcibly off,

discovering in the act the robust and healthy form of

Desborough.

"You may passion, continued the officer to the remainder

of the party. This fellow, at once a murderer and a

traitor, is my prisoner."

"I know him only as an American, sir," was the reply.

"He has taken the oaths of allegiance within the last

week, and as such is an acknowledged subject of the

American States."

"I have no time to enter into explanation, neither am I

competent to discuss this question, sir. For what I have

done, I have the instructions of my superior. If you have

complaint to make it most be to your own Chief. To mine

alone am I responsible. Let the scoundrel be well secured,"

he pursued, as the last of the litters at length defiled,

and addressing the men to whom Desborough had been given

in charge.

"Ha!" exclaimed Middlemore, who had all this time been

absent on the duties connected with his guard, and now

approached the scene of this little action for the first

time; "what! do I see my friend Jeremiah Desborough-the

prince of traitors, and the most vigorous of

wrestlers--verily my poor bones ache at the sight of you.

How came you to be caught in this trap, my old boy, better

have been out duck-shooting with the small bores I reckon?"

But Desborough was in no humour to endure this mirth.

Finding himself discovered, he had risen heavily from

the litter to his feet, and now moved doggedly towards

the guard house, where the men had orders to confine him.

His look still wore the character of ferocity, which

years had stamped there, but with this was mixed an

expression that denoted more of the cowering villain,

whom a sudden reverse of fortune may intimidate, than

the dauntless adventurer to whom enterprizes of hazard

are at once a stimulus and a necessity. In short, he was

entirely crest fallen.

"Come and see the effect of Gerald's excellent fire,"

said Middlemore, when Desborough had disappeared within

the guard room. "No wonder the American General was

frightened into SIR-RENDER, hem! I will show you the room

pointed out to toe by the subaltern whom I relieved, as

that in which the four field officers and three surgeons

were killed."

Preceded by their companion, Captain Granville and Grantham

entered the piazza, leading to the officers' rooms,

several of which were completely pierced with twenty-four

pound shot, known at once as coming from the centre

battery, which alone mounted guns of that calibre. After

surveying the interior a few moments, they passed into

a small passage communicating with the room in question.

On opening the door, all were painfully struck by the

sight which presented itself. Numerous shot holes were

visible every where throughout, while the walls at the

inner extremity of the apartment, were completely bespotted

with blood and brains, scarcely yet dry any where, and

in several places dripping to the floor. At one corner

of the room and on a mattress. lay the form of a wounded

man, whom the blue uniform and silver epaulettes, that

filled a chair near the head, attested for an American

officer of rank. At the foot of the bed, dressed in black,

her long hair floating wildly over her shoulders, and

with a hand embracing one of those of the sufferer, sat

a female, apparently wholly absorbed in the contemplation

of the scene before her. The noise made by the officers

on entering had not caused the slightest change in her

position, nor was it until she heard the foot-fall of

Captain Granville, as he advanced for the purpose of

offering his services, that she turned to behold who were

the intruders. The sight of the British uniform appeared

to startle her, for she immediately sprang to her feet,

as if alarmed at their presence. It was impossible they

could mistake those features, and that face. It was Miss

Montgomerie. He who lay at her feet, was her venerable

uncle. He was one of the field officers who had fallen

a victim to Gerald's fire, and the same ball which had

destroyed his companions, had carried away his thigh,

near the hip bone. The surgeons had given him over, and

he had requested to be permitted to die where he lay.

His wish had been attended to, but in the bustle of

evacuation, it had been forgotten to acquaint the officers

commanding the British guard that he was there. The last

agonies of death had not yet passed away, but there seemed

little probability that he could survive another hour.

Perceiving the desperate situation of the respectable

officer, Captain Granville staid not to question on a

subject that spoke so plainly for itself. Hastening back

into the piazza with his subalterns, he reached the area

just as the remaining troops, intended for the occupation

of the Fort, were crossing the drawbridge, headed by

Colonel St. Julian. To this officer he communicated the

situation of the sufferer, when an order was given for

the instant attendance of the head of the medical staff.

After a careful examination, and dressing of the wound,

the latter pronounced the case not altogether desperate.

A great deal of blood had been lost, and extreme weakness

had been the consequence, but still the Surgeon was not

without hope that his life might yet be preserved,

although, of course, he would be a cripple for the

remainder of his days.

It might have been assumed, that the hope yet held out

of preservation of life on any terms, would have been

hailed with some manifestation of grateful emotion, on

the part of Miss Montgomerie; but it was remarked and

commented on, by those who were present, that this

unexpectedly favorable report, so far from being received

with gratitude and delight, seemed to cast a deeper gloom

over the spirit of this extraordinary girl. The contrast

was inexplicable. She had tended him at the moment when

he was supposed to be dying, with all the anxious solicitude

of a fond child, and now that there was a prospect of

his recovery, there was a sadness in her manner, that

told too plainly the discomfort of her heart."

"In veerity an unaccoontable geerl," said Cranstoun, as

he sipped his wine that day after dinner in the mess room

at Detroit. "A always seed she was the cheeld of the

deevil."

"Child of the devil in soul, if you will," observed

Granville, "but a true woman--a beautiful, a superb woman

in person at least, did she appear this morning, when we

first entered that room--did she not Henry?"

"Beautiful indeed," was the reply--"yet, I confess, she

more awed than pleased me. I could not avoid, even amid

that melancholy scene, comparing her to a beautiful

casket, which, on opening is found to contain not a gem

of price, but a subtle poison, contact with which is

fatal; or to a fair looking fruit which, when divided,

proves to be rotten at the core."

"Allegorical, by all that is good, bad, and indifferent."

exclaimed Villiers. "How devilish severe you are Henry,

upon the pale Venus. It is hardly fair in you thus to

rate Gerald's intended."

"Gerald's intended! God forbid."

This was uttered with an energy that startled his

companions. Perceiving that the subject gave him pain,

they discontinued allusion to the lady in question,

further than to inquire how she was to be disposed of,

and whether she was to remain in attendance on her uncle.

In answer, they were informed, that as the Major could

not be removed, orders had been given by the General,

for every due care to be taken of him where he now lay,

while Miss Montgomerie, yielding to solicitation, had

been induced to retire into the family of the American

General in the town, there to remain until it should be

found convenient to have the whole party conveyed to the

next American post on the frontier.