projections and trees, until they were seen galloping through the valley below; and then again they were hidden by a field of forest, that swelled along the bosom of the landscape. Would it not be strange," observed the general, apparently unconscious of the movements behind. him, "that, after all my toils, America should forfeit her liberty?"

13. "Heaven forbid!" said his friend, becoming less. reserved, and entering more warmly into the feelings of the other. "But," resumed Washington, "I have heard of treachery in the heart of one's own camp; and doubtless you know that it is possible to be wounded even in the house of one's friend."""Sir," demanded the downcast host, unable to meet the searching glance of his companion, "who can possibly intend so daring a crime?" "I only meant," replied Washington, "that treachery is the most hideous of crimes; for, Judas-like, it will even sell its Lord for money!"-"Very true, general," responded the anxious host, as he gazed upon a troop of British horse winding round the hill, and riding with posthaste toward the hospitable mansion.

14. "Is it two o'clock yet?" demanded Washington: "for I have an engagement this afternoon at the army; and I regret that my visit must, therefore, be shorter than intended.""It lacks a full quarter yet," said his friend, seeming doubtful of his watch, from the arrival of the horsemen. “But bless me, sir! what cavalry are those that are so rapidly approaching the house?" asked his friend. "Oh! they may possibly be a party of British light horse," returned the general coolly, "which mean no harm; and, if I mistake not, they have been sent for the purpose of protecting me!"

15. As he said this, the captain of the troop was seen

dismounting from his horse; and his example was followed by the rest of the party. "General!" returned the other, walking to him very familiarly, and tapping him on the shoulder, "general, you are my prisoner!"- "I believe not," said Washington, looking calmly at the men who were approaching the steps; "but, friend," exclaimed he, slapping him in return on the arm, "I know that you are mine! Here, officer, carry this treacherous hypocrite to the camp, and I will make him an example to the enemies of America."

16. The British general had secretly offered an immense sum to this man to make an appointment with the hero at two o'clock, at which time he was to send a troop of horse to secure him in their possession. Suspecting his intentions, Washington had directed his own troop to equip themselves as English cavalry, and arrive half an hour precisely before the time when he was expected.

17. They pursued their way to the camp, triumphing at the sagacity of their commander, who had so astonishingly defeated the machinations of the British general. But the humanity of Washington prevailed over his sense of justice. Overcome by the tears and prayers of the family, he pardoned his treacherous friend, on condition of his leaving the country forever; which he accordingly did, and his name sunk in oblivion.

LESSON LV.

1 TE CUM' SEH, a famous Indian warrior, who excited several of the tribes to take up the hatchet on the side of the British, against the Americans, was killed at the memorable battle of the Thames, Oct. 5,

1813.

EXCITING ADVENTURE WITH AN INDIAN.

BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE.

THE moon was shining gloriously, when I approached a

deep glen, known by the name of Murder Creek. It had received this fearful appellation in consequence of a tragical event which occurred there, years ago. A party of whites, consisting of about thirty persons, including several women and children, who were camping out during the night, were suddenly surprised by the Indians, and every one of them butchered and scalped.

2. Weary, cold, wet, and hungry, I made up my mind to spread my blanket, kindle my fire, and, after cooking my bacon and making my coffee, to sleep till dawn beneath the thick branches of the lofty trees which overshadowed me. Having secured my horse by a little fence of saplings, and given him his supper of corn-leaves, the only substitute for hay, (a sufficient supply of which I had carried behind me, tied on his back,) I prepared my own meal.

3. After I had finished my supper, and replenished my fire with fuel, so laid on as to prevent its burning away too rapidly, I spread my blanket, and lay down. But there was an oppressive stillness around, which kept me awake for some time. Insensibly, however, sleep began to steal over me, and I was sinking into repose, when I heard a rustling among the bushes, and the quick tread of feet. I turned my head in the direction of the sound, and saw an Indian seated on a blackened stump, gazing steadily at me. I neither spoke nor moved; and he was equally silent and motionless. I do not think he was aware that I was awake and looking at him.

4. He was tall, of a robust make; his dress was elegant

and picturesque, consisting of a sort of loose gown of red and blue cotton, with the hem highly ornamented, and fastened round the waist by a richly-embroidered belt, in which were his tomahawk, scalping-knife, and powderhorn. Over his shoulders hung his quiver, and sheaf of arrows; on his head he wore a white cotton turban, from behind which nodded a small plume of black feathers. In his hand he held a gun; and athwart his body, obliquely crossing his left shoulder, and hanging below his right, his bow was slung.

5. I had full leisure to note all these things; for there he sat, with his eyes fixed upon me. It was like fascination. I could only look at him and breathe softly, as if I feared to disturb the warrior. I closed my eyes for a moment; but, when I opened them again, the Indian had disappeared. I was now convinced I had been mocked with a waking dream; for awake I was, and had been so all the time. I was convinced, too, that, had his feet been shod with moccasins of the cygnet's down, I must have heard the tread as he retired, if the form had been real.

6. Under other circumstances, an occurrence like this would have banished sleep for the rest of the night; but, in spite of what I felt, the fatigue of my day's journey sat too heavily upon me to let me keep awake. In the very midst of unquiet and feverish meditations, I fell asleep. How long I continued in that state, I can not say; but it must have been three or four hours; for, when I awoke, my night fire was nearly burned out, and the moon was vailed by black and tempestuous clouds, which had gathered in the sky, threatening a storm. The first object that met my eyes, as I looked around, was the Indian. He was seated in the same attitude as before; but his figure was now only dimly and partially visible, from the long flashes

of red, dusky light thrown upon it at intervals by the expiring embers.

7. I started up, grasping one of my pistols, which lay by my side. He arose, and slowly advanced toward me. I was on my feet in an instant; and, as he came near, I presented my pistol ; but, with one blow of his tomahawk, he struck it from my hand so violently, that the piece discharged itself as it fell to the ground. I endeavored to possess myself of the other, when he sprang upon me, seized me by the throat, and, with his right hand, held aloft his murderous weapon. Expecting the fatal blow to fall, I made signs of submission, and, both by my gestures and looks, implored his mercy.

8. He surveyed me for an instant without speaking, then quitted his hold, and, stooping down, took up my remaining pistol, which he discharged in the air. I saw, by the quick glances of his eyes, that he was looking about to ascertain whether I had any other weapon of defense; and I signified that I had not. He now lighted the pipe of his tomahawk by the embers, gave two or three puffs himself, and passed it to me: I did the same; and, from that moment, I knew I was safe in his hands. The symbol of peace and hospitality had been reciprocated; the pledge of good faith had been given, which no Indian ever violated.

*

9. Hitherto not a word had been spoken. I knew not a word of the Indian dialect, and did not suppose he understood mine. While I was considering how I should make myself understood, or comprehend the intentions of my mysterious visitor, I was both surprised and delighted to hear him address me in very good English.

*The tomahawk is sometimes so made as to serve for a pipe: the hatchet-head has a little socket attached to it; and the handle, being bored, serves for the stem.