in a whisper '_Snake! Snake!_' and the next moment mingled with the
company, who appeared to recognise and welcome her as one well-known and
esteemed.

"Washington regarded the bouquet with wonder; her words and singular
appearance had, however, sunk deeper into his heart, and looking closer
upon the nosegay, to his surprise he saw a small piece of paper in the
midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew it forth, and confounded and
horror-stricken, read, '_Beware! you are betrayed_!' It was now apparent
that he was within the den of the tiger; but to quit abruptly, might
only draw the consummation of treachery the speedier upon his head. He
resolved therefore that he would disguise his feelings, and trust to
that Power which had never forsaken him. The festivities were again
renewed, but almost momentarily interrupted by a second sound of the
cannon. The guests now began to regard each other with distrust, while
many and moody were the glances cast upon Rugsdale, whose countenance
began to show symptoms of uneasiness, while ever and anon he looked from
the window out upon the broad green lawn which extended to the river's
edge, as if in expectation of some one's arrival.

"'What can detain them?' he muttered to himself. 'Can they have deceived
me? Why answer they not the signal?' At that moment a bright flame rose
from the river, illuminating, for a moment, the surrounding scenery,
and showing a small boat filled with persons making rapidly towards the
shore. 'All's well,' he continued; 'in three minutes I shall be the
possessor of a coronet, and the cause of the Republic be no more.'

"Then gaily turning to Washington, he said, 'Come, General, pledge me to
the success of your arms.' The eye of Rugsdale at that moment
encountered the scrutinizing look of Washington, and sunk to the ground;