als to the fate that I see now awaits myself. I will
therefore explain that it was by his assistance I procured the
disguise and passed your pickets; but to my dying moments and with my
dying breath I will avow that my intentions were as pure as the
innocent beings before you."

"Captain Wharton," said the president, solemnly, "the enemies of
American liberty have made mighty and subtle efforts to overthrow our
power. A more dangerous man, for his means and education, is not
ranked among our foes than this peddler of Westchester. He is a
spy--artful, delusive, and penetrating beyond the abilities of his
class. Indeed, young man, this is a connection that may prove fatal to
you."

The honest indignation that beamed on the countenance of the aged
warrior was met by a look of perfect conviction on the part of his
comrades.

"I have ruined him!" cried Frances, clasping her hands in terror.

"Gentlemen, what is your pleasure?" asked the president.

One of the judges placed in his hand a written sentence, and declared
it to be the opinion of himself and his companion.

It briefly stated that Henry Wharton had been detected in passing the
lines of the American army as a spy, and in disguise.

That thereby, according to the laws of war, he was liable to suffer
death, and that this court adjudge him to the penalty, recommending
him to be executed, by hanging, before nine o'clock on the following
morning.

"This is short notice," said the veteran, holding the pen in his
hand, in a suspense that had no object; "not a day to fit one so young
for heaven."

"The royal officers gave Hale[106] but an hour," returned his comrade;
"we have granted the usual time. But Washington has the power to
extend it, or to pardon."

[Footnote 106: an American officer who was detected within
the British lines in disguise.]

"Then to Washington will I go," cried the colonel, returning the paper
with his signature; "and if the services of an old man like me, or
that brave boy of mine, entitle me to his ear, I will yet save the
youth."

So saying, he departed, full of the generous intentions in favor of
Henry Wharton.

CHAPTER XVIII.

MR. HARPER IS SOUGHT BUT NOT FOUND.

The sentence of the court was communicated with proper tenderness to
the prisoner, and after giving a few necessary instructions to the
officer in command, and despatching a courier to headquarters with
their report, the remaining judges mounted a