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yet be worthy of me!"-and a shudder ran through

her frame.

Another moment allayed the wild thought. Champe could not be worthy of her. He was a deserter, and in open arms against his country! She had seen it. There was nothing to be hoped from any explanation he could make. Logic might exhaust itself, and still he would be guilty-so plain, so simple was the evidence of the fact. It had been demonstrated to herself; and not alone to witnesses, who might, for sinister purposes, misrepresent the case.

Rising from her bed, ere yet the sun had mounted the cloudless sky, Emma hastily dressed herself, and, without being observed, left the house. It was a mild June morning; the birds were singing their welcome to the day so cheerfully, that it seemed to mock her misery. For the first time in her life, she tried to shut

A Romance of the American Revolution, founded on a well out their blithe carol; and pressing her bonnet closely

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upon her ears, she quickened her pace.

But there was an object in her path, that would far more powerfully and painfully remind her of happier days. Unusual as it was, at that early hour, a group of men were already abroad; but they were those whom a life of activity and usefulness had taught the value of time, and to whom habit had made watchfulness easy. It was a party of Lee's dragoons, who-after having valiantly served in the arduous duty of reducing the enemy's chain of posts in the South, just as the latter flattered themselves they were masters of that portion of the Union-had obtained leave to visit, for a short period, their native county.

Strange as it may appear, the increased obligation under which Colonel Brookville now lay to Champe, only served to redouble his exertions to bring about a marriage between his daughter and Birdsall. It is true that his desertion from his countrymen, and his enlistment in so vile a band as that which Arnold had raised, was enough to disgust him, although he was, as we have said, no real friend to the cause of America. Having been foiled in his former attempts to traduce him, it is not to be supposed that he did not eagerly seize upon the subject offered him by a fact, in itself enough to With an undefinable and vague feeling, Emma eagerblast the Virginian's reputation, and degrade him evenly looked at every face, and ran her eyes hastily over

in the partial, but honorable, mind of Emma. From the moment the news of Champe's desertion reached the villa, no allusion had been made to his rank in life, or the sin-viz. misfortune-which had placed him there. There was no occasion for this. His real crime-his perfidy, his treason, were unanswerable arguments.

Soon after his return to the villa, Birdsall received the long expected letter with the black seal; and it became necessary that he should visit England as soon as possible. Consequently every art was essayed by the Colonel to hasten the marriage. The luckless Emma was allowed no peace, morning, noon, or night; and at length, worn out with their importunity, and fully persuaded that Champe-from whom she had not heard since his broken promise, a month before--had indeed lost all that love of honor and principle, which she still believed he had once possessed--she, in a moment of despondency and utter hopelessness, agreed-since her own happiness was gone-to gratify her father.

As the maiden passed them, every cap was raised, and many were the looks of surprise with which she was regarded. Each man of the party had before seen her; but never, until that moment, had they beheld the wan countenance and wasted form they now encountered.

the glittering uniform of each individual.

"If he were only there"-she thought-"aye, and the meanest soldier among them—” And a profound sigh banished the vain and transitory illusion.

She passed on, full of bitter reflection. She was going, for the last time, to visit the graves of the virtuous parents of an unworthy son. There might have been, at least, a weakness-perhaps something injudicious, if not a decided relaxation of maidenly dignity, in the act; but Emma had fallaciously persuaded herself that it was to the virtues of the relatives alone that she paid this tribute-for there lay the remains of all the immediate friends of the Deserter-his parents, two brothers, and an only sister, with the latter of whom it had almost unmanned him to part, strong and inflexible as was his mind.

The spot she sought was a little secluded place, surrounded by trees, which cast over it a calm and solemn shade, fitting for the last repose of the virtuous dead. As she passed through the trees, she suddenly started. The slender form of a youth, in the gay uniform of the Legion, leaned against an oak, directly before her; his right arm rested against its huge trunk, and on that reclined his bowed head. Though, in this situation, his face was necessarily concealed, the maiden knew "Suppose," whispered insidious hope, "he should him at once. Buxton's letters to his sister had made a

No opportunity was given to retract the hasty sentence, which, indeed, she had but half uttered. The eager Colonel, himself, named the day; and--every preparation having been made in the interval-it arrived. And dreadful were Emma's feelings when it dawned upon her wakeful eyes.

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deep impression upon Emma; and the mutilated right hand of the youth before her plainly enough revealed who he was. She shuddered at the sight, while she deeply admired the magnanimity of the boy, who could thus sink the injury received from the son, in remembrance of the upright character of the parents.

my country's good bade me die there, her enemies should never see me shudder at the manner of my death."

Emma surveyed the unbending expression of countenance of the inflexible being before her with a wonder she could not control. "I believe you, John Suddenly raising his head, Buxton started as he Champe," she cried; "from my soul I believe you. beheld her. Saluting her, by raising his cap in the Even now is death awaiting upon your every step; precise manner of his profession, he quietly turned to- and still you linger here, calm and unmoved as though ward the adjacent burial place; but as quickly chang-you were in the midst of security. Be wise and fly. ing his mind, he turned again, passed her, and hur- Believe me, you have no friends here."

ried away from the spot. Precipitated into overwhelm

"I know it," he replied, fixing upon her a scrutin

ing reflection by this incident, for a short time ourizing gaze. "I believed I had one that would ever heroine found herself unable to proceed; but recollect- have been true to me. But I was wrong: I had no ing that a prolonged absence from the villa might be- right to believe it. Perhaps I have not deserved that come the subject of remark, she summoned fortitude her esteem for me should continue." and went on.

"Perhaps!" repeated Emma. "Is there then a doubt of it? But it avails nothing to speak of this, now. I am another's! And if I were not

"I have heard so," said Champe seriously, but with a strange composure. Then perceiving that her feelings prevented her from speaking farther, he asked kindly"You said, Emma, if you were not another's-What then ?"

Once more she started. A stranger, in a rich suit of mourning, knelt at the grave of the mother of the Deserter. His clasped hands were raised in prayer, but the words he uttered were inaudible. Directly his voice swelled into a clear, full tone, as he fervently petitioned Heaven to shower its choicest blessings upon her who had planted that grave with flowers! Those tones could not be mistaken by Emma. The same manly "Desertion can never be explained away,'" returned voice that had, on two memorable occasions of ex- the maiden, repeating his own sentiment, of which, as treme danger and distress, spoken comfort to her, was well as the occasion on which it was uttered, she had now interceding with that Power to whom the strong-learned from one of Buxton's letters to his sister. est on earth must bow, that she "might know danger and distress no more!"

"Now," thought the maiden, after her first wild gush of feeling had partially subsided-for she was still unperceived by Champe-" now the time has come to return at least one of the obligations I owe him. The dragoons I met have no doubt been detached to capture him. They have appreciated his character better than I; they know, that deserter as he is, he is not lost to all feeling and taking advantage of that, they would ensnare him here. Yes! even here-at the grave of his mother! What monsters war doth make of christian men!"

"Fly!" was the first startling exclamation that fell upon the ear of the Deserter. "Fly! John, your motions are watched."

The cheek of Champe flushed; but his emotion was, to all appearance, but momentary. "I said so once," he said, smiling; "but I have changed my opinion, Emma. Patriotism itself may—"

"Talk not of it," interrupted the maiden indignantly. "I like not "Arnold's sophistry.' I am one of those who continue to believe his famous letter of defence an insult to an injured country.'

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"You are mine, then!" cried the Virginian, folding her in his arms ere she was aware of his intention. "You are mine, Emma. I have sworn, and you have promised it. Neither the oath nor the promise shall be broken. I am no deserter, Emma, except from Arnold's Legion!"

An uncontrollable shriek burst from the wretched maiden, as she tore herself from his embrace. "Tell

Champe sprung to her side. "Who dare watch me?" me not so," she cried wildly. "Have mercy upon me, he asked with a flashing eye.

"There are a dozen of Lee's dragoons at a short distance, and I passed one this moment in the wood. Why do you not fly? Do you not believe me?"

The manner of her companion suddenly assumed its usual composure. "I never disbelieved a word you uttered, Emma; nor ever will."

"Then why not believe me now?" she asked hurriedly. "Are you insensible to danger? I beseech you fly-you have not one moment to lose."

"I fly not," returned Champe firmly, and smiling at her fears. "The Virginians seldom fly unless it be to lead their enemies into error. But why so anxious for my safety, Emma? From what I have heard since my return, I thought the days for that had passed away." The words brought overpowering thoughts upon the mind of the maiden. "No matter," she answered in intense feeling. "But go. Do not waste the precious time. Would you die upon a gibbet?"

"I fear not the gibbet," he answered proudly.

"If

John, and tell me not so. A few days ago, I would have yielded my life to hear these joyful, joyful words. But now-Oh horror! horror! You have done wrong, John, to deceive me thus; but I have done worse to doubt your rectitude.”

"There was a state secret involved,” said Champe, affected deeply at her distress.

"I might have known it," returned Emma. "She who occupies yon grave said with her dying breath you were innocent: but I thought trouble had caused her to rave. Yet, until I saw you in British uniform, and you deceived me again, I could not believe you guilty. I knew not why; but at times there came upon me, despite my better judgment, a conviction of the truth of that death-bed prophecy."

"Did she say that ?" asked Champe, his countenance beaming with delight, while a manly tear bedewed his eye. "Ah she knew I could not be false to my country. But we will talk of her, and your kindness to her, Emma, hereafter. I cannot dwell upon it now; for

remembrance of her, and gratitude to you, overcomes | to save Andre from the gallows, and to clear up the me. Let us now seek that happiness for which we character of one of our best generals from aspersions have so long waited in vain." cast upon it by the scheming Clinton. The latter I

"It is too late!" cried the agonized girl. "This very accomplished; and, but for an accident, similar to that night I am to become Birdsall's bride!"

"So help me Heaven, you shall not," exclaimed her lover solemnly. "They have meanly extorted the promise from you—I am sure of it—and I blame not you. But you have engaged to be mine, as well since as before you were of legal age to act for yourself. If you desire not to recall the promise, after 1 have given you the clearest proof of my innocence, I swear I yield not up my rights nor you to such a thing as Birdsall. No, nor to mortal man."

"It is too late," repeated Emma in despair. "It is not too late," returned Champe; and he spoke in the same energetic and impressive manner, that had, in days long past, taught Emma to put a firm reliance upon his words. Indeed, it appeared to her when he thus spoke, that he spoke truth-incontrovertible, unconquerable truth; that it was impossible he could err; and that, much as his words seemed to promise, he neither boasted, nor overrated his power to make them good. It gave her not only encouragement and hope, but assurance. There was so much of modest firmness, of self-dependance and of manliness in his manner.

which caused me to disappoint you at Petersburg, I should have taken Arnold from the midst of his friends, and brought him to the American head-quarters. A few hours more of time at that crisis-and my name, Emma, would have resounded through the army-aye, through the thirteen republics, as the avenger of our army's reputation which Arnold has so basely sullied, uncoupled with the odium of desertion!"

Emma forgot her engagement with Birdsall and her father's anger, as she listened with rapture to his glowing recital. But the sudden burst of pleasing intelligence was too much for her. She trembled with emotion, her pale cheek became still paler, and she fell fainting in the arms of her lover. She recovered only to reflect and weep.

The soothing arguments of the Virginian soon restored her to hope. He had not expected this interview with her, but had already resolved upon a course, from which he did not now depart. He advised her, therefore, to pass the day as she had intended, and to expect his interference at the hour appointed for her union with Birdsall.

"It is yours then, Emma, and yours alone, to de- She consented implicitly to follow his directions; cide," he continued, passing an arm around her unre-bade him remember that a moment, should he be too sisting form, drawing her towards him, and fondly patting her pale check, "whether you will be his, whose duty to his country has compelled him, while his heart smote him for it, to drive the roses from here; or the wife of one who cannot appreciate, and therefore cannot love you as you deserve. It is yours, I say, merely to decide. The means of carrying into effect that decision, if in my favor, may be left to me."

Emma thought of her recent engagement, of the dangers of the bold step she knew her lover could and would take to claim her, of her father's probable anger at her disobedience, and shuddered.

late, might seal her doom; forbade him to accompany her then; and, feebly resisting his glowing kiss at parting, darted through the wood and soon arrived at the house. In the course of the day, Champe's story became known throughout the neighborhood, and old and young alike sought to congratulate him, and listen to a narration of his adventures from his own lips. In due time it reached the villa, and great were the endeavors of Colonel Brookville to keep a knowledge of it from his daughter. In the meantime, Emma, though greatly agitated by alternate hope and fear, resolutely upheld her spirits to meet the approaching crisis.

"Look here, girl, look here!" cried the impatient The appointed and dreaded hour drew near. Emma Virginian, drawing a packet of papers from his pocket strained her eyes in the dim twilight to catch a glance and scattering its contents on the grass at her feet. of Champe, stealthily moving through the park: but "Here," he continued, his manly countenance glowing she saw him not. Night wrapt the scene without in with patriotic pride while he selected one of the papers impenetrable darkness; she was summoned to perform and held it for her inspection, "here, in the first place, her engagement with Birdsall; and yet Champe came is Lieutenant Colonel Lee's testimonial that I have never not! "Will he deceive me now ?" she inquired of herswerved from my duty to my country-this, is Greene's self; "Dare he thus trifle with me? Yes," was the letter of compliment on my services that accompanied mental answer; "for he has proved he dare do anyhis present of a sword and a noble war-horse. Here, thing; but he will not—I know he will not. I have is the handwriting of Hamilton, above Washington's done him injustice heretofore in doubting him: but if own signature! This, with a blue ribbon, is a lieute-an unavoidable accident should again prevent himnant's commission in the Legion, and with it, a paper that secures me the emolument of the office, and, at the same time, releases me from actual service; for his excellency was pleased to recommend me not to appear in arms, lest the chance of war throws me in the way of the gibbet: not an American gibbet, Emma, but a British. This, with a large seal, is a deed from the Legislature of Virginia, for lands-more than enough But Champe had intended she should be called upon to satisfy a far more ambitious man. This is a certifi-to do nothing that could bring upon her the displeasure cate of Congress, granting me a pension for life. I of her father. He had resolved to rescue her from the went not into New York, Emma, to join Arnold, but to seize the detestable traitor!-to pluck him from his strong hold, and to deliver him to Washington! I went

Mercy, mercy, Heaven!"

Again she was informed that Birdsal! and the clergyman awaited her approach, and resolving, if any unforeseen circumstance should detain her lover, boldly to refuse to take the matrimonial vow, when called upon to do so, with a reluctant step, she obeyed the summons.

engagement that he knew had been forced upon her; but he had determined to do this in such a manner that whatever censure might follow, it should fall upon him

alone. He would not persuade her to elope with him; | disregarding the useless anger of the master of the for that would seem her wilful act; he sought only to villa, and rudely dragging forth, from the corner of a obtain her secret concurrence, and then assume in the sofa, where he had slunk, the trembling form of Birdseyes of her friends the responsibility of taking her all. "Where is your boldness now, miscreant? Stand from them without her consent. Then, when the shock forth and treat an injured brother with the same impuof displeasure and anger came, he would meet it alone, dence that yesterday marked your conduct to his deas he had before met crosses and misfortunes-but fenceless sister. Swear to me, and in this presence, if cheered by the reflection that he had preserved her you dare, that you detest Miss Brookville, as you did happiness from sacrifice. He was confident that the then, to Isabel Buxton. Thought you, because her success of the plan he had conceived was insured by father was in his grave, a Virginian maiden could find its very boldness. It was in character with the spirit no protector? Or thought you if a nobleman but condeof the men who formed Lee's Legion. scended to speak, she must be flattered? Away! fool, dastard, away!" And dashing him from him with pas

mised Lieutenant Champe I would not do it, or by Heaven I would, even now, cleave you in twain with this good sword, that has already tasted of the proud blood of overbearing England."

As Emma passed through an anti-room, toward a parlor prepared for the performance of the matrimonial | sionate violence, he continued, "I have solemnly prorites, she looked through the open windows vainly hoping to penetrate the darkness without, from the brightness of the apartment in which she was. Suddenly she paused. A naked sabre glittered in the light of the room, as it moved steadily past the windows. The footstep of him who carried it, however, was noiseless, as was his form invisible.

The heart of the maiden throbbed with wild ecstasy; but her feelings were not unmingled with apprehension. The powerful assistance of Champe was undoubtedly at hand, as it ever seemed to be in the hours of her severest trials; but there could be as little doubt that he was not alone; that her father's house was guarded, and its unconscious inmates surrounded by armed men, inured to carnage and full of determination. Trusting to the discretion, and the mild and unrevengeful, though resolute, disposition of Champe; and, above all, to that power who had guided him through so many scenes of extreme peril, and appeared to have ever placed him near her when she had most needed assistance, she stifled her feelings and proceeded.

When she entered the parlor the clergyman arose, and her father advanced in order to lead her to the upper end of the room, where the family and two or three guests were assembled-there formally to give her hand to Birdsall. Any interference that could save her now, must, she thought, indeed, be sudden and bold. It did not fail to come-and in time.

"The Colonel frowned angrily upon the cowering Birdsall; but soon turned again toward the intruders upon his domestic privacy. But his commands and arguments were alike unavailing:-as there are none so difficult to convince as those who will not be convinced, the dragoons were equally unmoved by his threats, or his appeals to them, in regard to the justice of their proceedings, or their right to interfere with his liberty. They merely replied that they acted upon the responsibility, and by the orders of their lieutenant, and were perfectly indifferent as to consequences. All the satisfaction he could obtain from them was that his guests, his household, and himself, would be suffered to act their pleasure at daybreak the next morning; but not one instant before; and that, until that time, every avenue from the house would be strictly guarded.

This promise was fulfilled. At daybreak, the dragoons started in a body for the south, to rejoin the Legion; and, in a short time, were far beyond the reach of any pursuit in his power to order. He well knew also that it was too late to prevent a marriage between Champe and his daughter, unless the latter had strongly opposed the wishes of the lieutenant; which, upon reflection, he felt very much inclined to

A loud voice gave orders to some unseen subordi-doubt. nates, and the frightened menials of the villa rushed through the doors of the parlor. Dragoons with drawn sabres followed close upon them, formed in line across the centre of the apartment, and at the same instant, the trembling Emma was raised in the arms of one, whose encouraging whisper she well knew, and borne from the house.

"Who commands here?" cried the enraged Brookville, after in vain endeavoring to force his way through the line of dragoons that separated him from his daughter.

"I do," answered a voice rendered powerful more through anger than natural strength. "We cover the retreat of Lieutenant Champe, and not a soul leaves this house to-night. But we will speak of this matter directly, Colonel Brookville. In the meantime there is justice to be done. Where is this Birdsall ?"

"I will let you know, sir," cried the Colonel furious with rage, "that neither your authority nor that of your lieutenant is acknowledged here. I command you to leave the house."

His judgment did not deceive him. It was already beyond the power of his silly pride to destroy his daughter's happiness. Within the hour that was to have given her to Birdsall, Emma, impressed with a deep sense of the dreadful alternative delay might produce, became the wife of THE DESERTER.

APPENDIX.

By consulting Lee's "Memoirs of the War in the Southern Department of the United States," chapter xxx., it will be found how little we have been indebted to invention for the materials of our story; or rather, that, in the principal incidents, we have not at all departed from historical fact.

It appears by that work, that Washington, after the defection of Arnold, "the moment he reached the army, then under command of Major General Greene, encamped in the vicinity of Tappan, sent for Major "Is this the wretch ?" rejoined the youthful Buxton, Lee, posted with the light troops some distance in

front." Lee repaired at once to head quarters, when | confession shortened his trial; and ere the sergeant
the Commander-in-chief requested him to select a suit- could consummate arrangements for bringing off Ar-
able person to undertake a highly dangerous enterprise, nold, much to the chagrin of the generous soldier, who
which he (Washington) had conceived. His confiden- was himself risking a gibbet in order to save the British
tial agents in New York had informed him that “many officer from the same disgraceful end, Andre was exe-
of his officers, and especially a Major-general named to cuted. But notwithstanding this unfortunate interven-
him, were connected with Arnold." His plan, there- tion, Champe was directed to persevere, and still bring
fore, was to engage some person of tried courage, in-off Arnold if possible. This will be seen from the
trepid daring, persevering industry, and acute percep-
tion; who, with all these qualities, should possess a
patriotism so elevated, that he would, if the case should
require it, and, at all events, for a time, sacrifice his
"The plan proposed for taking A—d, (the out-
private reputation for the good of his country. Champelines of which are communicated in your letter, which
was at once named by Lee, who at the same time ex-was this moment put into my hands without date,) has
pressed his doubts whether his sergeant-major's keen every mark of a good one. I therefore agree to the
and high sense of honor would allow him to take the promised rewards; and have such entire confidence in
first step in the proposed plan, which was desertion: your management of the business, as to give it my fullest
but after listening to a minute description, not only of approbation, and leave the whole to the guidance of
the character, but the manners, appearance, place of your own judgment, with this express stipulation and
birth, &c. of Champe, Washington, with his usual pointed injunction, that he (A—d) is to be brought
penetration, exclaimed, "He is the very man for my to me alive.
purpose," and determined that Lee should use his
utmost efforts to induce him to attempt the enterprise.
Lee immediately returned to his quarters; and in his
Memoirs feelingly describes the dialogue that ensued
between himself and the ardent but repugnant Champe.
From this it appears that the design of Washington,
"by getting Arnold, to save Andre," had more weight
with the generous Virginian than any other. But even
this could not induce him to forego his reputation, and
the strong desire he felt for promotion-of which de-
sertion would deprive him. At length, Lee informed The night for the execution of Champe's plan of
him that since he declined the offer of obliging the seizing Arnold was soon appointed. He and one of
Commander-in-chief personally, as well as of greatly Washington's secret agents were to seize and gag the
serving his country at large, he would inform Wash-traitor; and placing themselves, each under one of his
ington that the proffered honor must be transferred to
some other corps, as there was not spirit enough in the
Legion to furnish him with a man willing to risk its
consequences. "The esprit du corps," observes Lee,
"could not be resisted: united to his inclination, it
subdued his prejudices:" and the nobleminded soldier
departed the same night.

following extract from Washington's letter to Lee, of
the 20th October:
"Dear Sir,

"No circumstance whatever shall obtain my consent to his being put to death. The idea which would accompany such an event, would be, that ruffians had been hired to assassinate him. My aim is to make a public example of him: and this should be strongly impressed upon those who are employed to bring him off. The sergeant must be very circumspect: too much zeal may create suspicion, and too much precipitancy may defeat the project. The most inviolable secrecy must be observed on all hands."

shoulders, carry him through the most unfrequented streets and alleys to a boat waiting to receive them. If questioned, they were to answer that he was a drunken soldier, whom they were conveying to the guardhouse. In the meantime, Lee, having been informed of this, spent the night at Hoboken, with a few of his trusty followers, and provided with three extra horses,

How well he executed the arduous duty he had un-one each for Champe, his comrade, and Arnold. dertaken, may be inferred from the first sentence of a letter from Washington to Lee-Oct. 13th, 1780: "I am very glad," he says, "your letter of this date has given evidence to my conviction of the innocence of the gentleman" (the nameless Major-general) "who was the subject of your inquiry."

The same letter directs Lee to meet the Commander- | in-chief the next day, at the Marquis's quarters, when Champe's communications were closely examined by them, "and the distrust heretofore entertained of the accused forever dismissed."

Lee was disappointed; for the day dawned and no boat was descried upon the waters of the Hudson answering the description of that in which Champe was to arrive. "He was chagrined," he says, "at the issue, and apprehended that his faithful sergeant must have been detected in the last scene of his tedious and difficult enterprise." But he was obliged to keep his disappointment to himself; for so strict was the secrecy of the whole affair, that not one of his followers knew why their commander conducted them to Hoboken, or for whose use they led the three extra horses.

Another extract from his "Memoirs," will suffice to end this article.

"In a few days, Lee received an anonymous letter

Having thus satisfactorily executed one part of his business, the sergeant set himself to work fully to achieve the rest; and in connection with an agent of Washington's in the city, soon laid a plan for his cap-from Champe's patron and friend, informing him that ture. The agent was a different person from him who on that day previous to the night fixed for the execution had assisted in tracing the authenticity of the aspersions of the plot, Arnold had removed his quarters to another cast upon the Major-general above mentioned; and so part of the town, to superintend the embarkation of deep was the secrecy deemed requisite by Washington, troops, preparing (as was rumored) for an expedition that Champe was ordered not to let either of these two to be directed by himself; and that the American Lemen know that the other was in his confidence. gion, consisting chiefly of deserters, had been transUnfortunately, Andre's imprudent but high-minded | ferred from their barracks to one of the transports; it

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