had hurried away, and raising her hands in pity and horror at the sight, sprang forward to assist Patsy in her labor of love, exclaiming, as they bore him into the house, "Massy me, what on airth is all this ?”

Seth was placed in the large rocking-chair, his head sinking wearily on Mrs. Adams' shoulder, while Patsy sprang into the other room, and returned as quick as thought, bearing a bottle which she placed to his mouth, and of which he eagerly drank.

A few swallows revived him so that he was able to sit up, and looking in Patsy's face, with eyes beaming with fraternal love, he said, "Thank God, I am free!"

CHAPTER XXV.

THE TEMPTRESS CONQUERS.

THE moon ought to have shone on that night, but it did not; the almanac declared that it was a full moon, but the clouds belied the almanac, for the moon could not be seen through the heavy veil which they had thrown over her.

Every member of General Putnam's family was fast asleep, and if ladies ever snore, was snoring long before ten o'clock. The general, wearied down with the work of the day, for he was actively and personally engaged in superintending the fortification of the island against the probable and almost certain advent of the British, had retired early, and his family had followed his example.

The quarters of General Putnam, as history has informed us, were at that time located at No. 1 Broadway, and the garden extended to the river, then bounded by Greenwich street. The house, built by Captain Kennedy, a Royalist officer of wealth, had been selected by him as the most eligible spot on the Island, and little dreaming of what a few years of future might bring forth for him, he had adorned the

The

place in the most tasteful and expensive manner. grounds extended down as far as the lower side of Greenwich street, and at that time were filled with trees, flowers, and shrubbery of all kinds.

Fort George, then the principal fortification of the Island, was located on what is now known as the "Battery," and in the rear of the general's quarters, was located "Oyster Battery." Of course, in each of these, sentinels were posted to prevent the approach of any one from the river side, but no thought was taken of that portion of the city inland. As a consequence, the garden of General Putnam's quarters was never intruded upon, and the only precaution taken to guard the approach to his quarters, was from the seaward, or rather river side.

As has been said, the moon, according to the almanac, ought to have shone that night, but she could not; the clouds were too thick and too heavy even for her penetration, and in consequence, a deep gloom, amounting almost to darkness, prevailed.

It was between nine and ten o'clock at night (hours most unseasonable for that period, for every one not on duty was presumed to be in bed and asleep), that a form attired in dark clothes might have been seen (if the moon had permitted sight to be available) pacing to and fro in the broad walk which ran parallel with the river and the house, and which was so shaded by the trees that no one in the house or on the river could

have perceived anything, even with the aid of the

moon.

It was Margaret, who was taking the walk to which she had declared herself accustomed, and in which, by implication, she had invited her lover to join her. She was pacing the gravelled walk impatiently, half-angrily, and perhaps was wondering whether she had not better return to the house, when a well-known voice, close by her side, uttered the simple word, “Margaret ;” it was enough:

"'Twas his own voice-she could not err,

Throughout the breathing world's extent,
There was but one such voice for her,

So kind, so soft, so eloquent."

In another moment she was clasped in the arms of him to whom she had given her virgin affections; him, for whom she would have sacrificed her very soul; him,

whom meaning to serve, she had betrayed and purchased with the price of her love.

"Margaret, my own Margaret!" murmured the young soldier, as she returned his warm embrace, and permitted the ardent kiss with which he expressed his happiness.

“I was afraid I might be intruded upon," said Margaret, meaningly.

"And I shall I say I fear I have intruded upon you ?",

"Say what you choose, Aaron, now you are here,"

she said, placing her arm within his own, and pressing it warmly. "But come, we must not waste these precious moments. You know me now, and you have said you did not despise me for the unsought acknowledgment of my love."

"Unsought, Margaret? Did not my first glance disclose to you the love which sprang full-born into my heart? Did not my first words testify how solely I was yours? Did not the first kiss I dared to impress upon your lips, when my heart was gladdened by the assurance of your safety, carry to your heart the conviction of the boundless love I bore you ?"

"Yes, yes, Aaron. Fate, chance, or destiny has thrown us together strangely! God only knows what will be the end or where we may land; but, whatever may be your fate, I will share it with you."

"My own Margaret-my heart's best treasure!" exclaimed the enthusiastic lover, "what can I do to prove my devotion to you ?"

I

"Be faithful, only, Aaron; be faithful, for my love's sake. You are engaged in a cause which cannot within the range of human possibility command success. know it-I feel it. May I tell you what I know? Remember, I have said I will not do or say anything by which you may be compromised until the proper time; nor would I ask you to do or say anything which could conflict with the duties you now owe those with whom you are associated."