ld ever assail you, and peace once more smile upon our
efforts, seek the gate of him whom you have so often met as Harper,
and he will not blush to acknowledge you in his true character."

"It is little that I need in this life," said Harvey; "so long as God
gives me health and honest industry, I can never want in this country;
but to know that your excellency is my friend, is a blessing that I
prize more than all the gold of England's treasury."

The officer stood for a few moments in the attitude of intense
thought. 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 lowliest 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 entrust 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."

"Remember," said the officer, with strong emotion, "that in me you
will always have a secret friend; but openly I cannot know you."

"I know it, I know it," said Birch; "I knew it when I took the
service. 'Tis probably the last time that I shall ever see your
excellency. May God pour down his choicest blessings on your head!" He
paused, and moved towards the door. The officer followed him with eyes
that expressed deep interest.