He then drew to him the desk, and wrote a few lines on a piece of paper,
and gave it to the peddler.
"That Providence destines this country to some great and glorious fate I
must believe, while I witness the patriotism that pervades the bosoms
of her lowest citizens," he said. "It must be dreadful to a mind like
yours to descend into the grave, branded as a foe to liberty; but you
already know the lives that would be sacrificed, should your real
character be revealed. It is impossible to do you justice now, but I
fearlessly intrust you with this certificate; should we never meet
again, it may be serviceable to your children."
"Children!" exclaimed the peddler, "can I give to a family the infamy of
my name?"
The officer gazed at the strong emotion he exhibited with pain, and he
made a slight movement towards the gold; but it was arrested by the
expression of his companion's face. Harvey saw the intention, and shook
his head, as he continued more mildly,--
"It is, indeed, a treasure that your excellency gives me: it is safe,
too. There are men living who could say that my life was nothing to me,
compared to your secrets. The paper that I told you was lost I swallowed
when taken last by the Virginians. It was the only time I ever deceived
your excellency, and it shall be the last; yes, this is, indeed, a
treasure to me; perhaps," he continued, with a melancholy smile, "it may
be known after my death who was my friend; but if it should not, there
are none to grieve for me.
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