pity even in their callous hearts.

"'Jack,' whispered his companion, 'by heaven I wish this part of the
business had been entrusted to some one else--I could meet this man face
to face, life for life, in the field of battle--but this savors too much
of cowardice.'

"'Hold your craven tongue, Low,' answered Captain Hartwell, 'perform
your part of the play, or let some one else take your place--you forget
the scrape we are in at the least alarm. We might happen to salute the
rising sun from one of the tallest trees on the General's farm--an idea
far from pleasing.'

"'For my part, I could wish myself back on Long Island--but our general
expects every man to do his duty--let yours be to prevent that female
from screaming, while I secure her husband.'

"The ear of woman is quick, and from their entering the room, not a word
had escaped Mrs. Sullivan. At first she could scarce refrain from
calling out, but her uncommon strength of mind enabled her to master her
fear--she scarce knew what to think: her husband's life, herself and
family, were at stake, and her courage rose in proportion as her sense
of danger increased.

"She scarcely dared to breathe, and even the infant at her breast seemed
to partake of its mother's anxiety, and nestled closer to her bosom.

"The curtains partly shaded where she lay, and breathing a prayer to
Heaven for protection, she silently stepped from the bed, scarce knowing
how to proceed.