their arms, and they left in horrid uncertainty as to your fate. Take
all that we have, but leave him.' A sneer of scorn curled the officer's
lip, as he coolly replied--

"'Madam, we are neither robbers nor assassins--the compliment on our
part is quite undeserved. We are British officers.'

"'Then, sir,' exclaimed Mrs. Sullivan starting to her feet--her eyes
flashing, her proud form trembling, as her own wrongs were forgot in
those of her country--'Shame on the cause that sanctions such a deed as
this--in the silence of night to enter a peaceful dwelling and take an
unoffending man from the arms of his wife and family--Truly, such an act
as this would well need the covering of darkness. You may call
yourselves servants of Britain--that is your fit appellation. Take
him--another victim is required for my country. But the vengeance of
Heaven is abroad, and, ere long, the men who war for the price of blood,
will find the arm of him who fights for his fireside and liberty, nerved
by a stronger consciousness of right.'

"'Madam,' interrupted the officer, awed by the stern majesty of her
manner, 'I came not here to interchange words with a woman, or, I might
speak about warring against our lawful king.--But you know, Tom,'
turning to his companion, 'I never was good at preaching.' 'Not to a
woman, certainly,' said Tom, laughing, 'or rather you could never bring
one to your way of thinking.'

"A slight noise warned them of the impropriety of their longer
remaining. The General having completed dressing, took an affectionate
farewell of his wife, assuring her he would soon be enabled to return.
They left the house--but to gain the shore was a matter of some