"
"But," said Dunwoodie, turning pale with suspense, "he knew him not as
an officer of the royal army?"
"Indeed he did," cried Miss Peyton; "and he cautioned us against this
very danger."
Dunwoodie caught up the fatal paper, that still lay where it had fallen
from his own hands, and studied its characters intently. Something
seemed to bewilder his brain. He passed his hand over his forehead,
while each eye was fixed on him in dreadful suspense--all feeling afraid
to admit those hopes anew that had been so sadly destroyed.
"What said he? What promised he?" at length Dunwoodie asked, with
feverish impatience.
"He bid Henry apply to him when in danger, and promised to requite the
son for the hospitality of the father."
"Said he this, knowing him to be a British officer?"
"Most certainly; and with a view to this very danger."
"Then," cried the youth aloud, and yielding to his rapture, "then you
are safe--then will I save him; yes, Harper will never forget his word."
"But has he the power to?" said Frances. "Can he move the stubborn
purpose of Washington?"
"Can he? If he cannot," shouted the youth, "if he cannot, who can?
Greene, and Heath, and young Hamilton are nothing compared to this
Harper. But," rushing to his mistress, and pressing her hands
convulsively, "repeat to me--you say you have his promise?"
"Surely, surely, Peyton; his solemn, deliberate promise, knowing all the
circumstances.
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