Once more the peddler turned, and seemed
to gaze on the placid but commanding features of the general with
regret and reverence, and then, bowing low, withdrew.

CHAPTER XXIV.

DEATH OF THE SPY.--A REVELATION.

It was thirty-three years after the interview which we have just
related that an American army was once more arrayed against the troops
of England; but the scene was transferred from the banks of the Hudson
to those of the Niagara.[135]

[Footnote 135: name of river and falls between New York and
Canada.]

It was the evening of the 25th of July of that bloody year, when two
young officers were seen standing on the table-rock, contemplating the
great cataract with an interest that seemed to betray that they were
gazing for the first time at the wonder of the western world. A
profound silence was observed by each, until the companion of the
officer suddenly started, and pointing eagerly with his sword into the
abyss[136] beneath, exclaimed:

[Footnote 136: bottomless depth.]

"See, Wharton, there is a man crossing in the very eddies of the
cataract, and in a skiff no bigger than an egg-shell."

"He has a knapsack--it is probably a soldier," returned the other.
"Let us meet him at the ladder, Mason, and learn his tidings."

Some time was expended in reaching the spot where the adventurer was
intercepted. Contrary to the expectations of the young soldiers, he
proved to be a man far advanced in life, and evidently no follower of
the camp.

A few words of salutation, and, on the part of the young men, of
surprise that one so aged should venture so near the whirlpools of the
cataract, were exchanged, when the old man inquired, with a voice that
began to manifest the tremor of age, the news from the contending
armies.

"We whipped the red-coats here the other day, among the grass on the
Chippewa[137] plains," said the one who was called Mason.

[Footnote 137: a village in Canada, twenty-one miles
northwest of Buffalo.]

"Perhaps you have a son among the soldiers," said his companion, with
a milder demeanor,[138] and an air of kindness; "if so, tell me his
name and regiment, and I will take you to him."

[Footnote 138: manner.]

The old man shook his head, and answered:

"No; I am alone in the world!"

"You should have added, Captain Dunwoodie," cried his careless
comrade, "if you could find either; for nearly half our army has
marched down the road, and may b