he limits of the snow could be seen the broad Ohio.

"How sullen the black flood looks!" thought the woman.

"Do you hear the water swash against the logs along the shore?" said
Blennerhassett.

The couple made straight for the camp-fire, breaking a track. The dry
leaves under the snow, when trodden on, gave back a muffled rustle.
Near the fire stood a group of a dozen men, with guns in their hands.

"Who are these? Are they militiamen? Will they arrest you? O Harman,
my dearest!"

"They are my own people!" answered the husband.

The words had scarcely passed his lips when a figure emerged from the
hollow of a huge sycamore, and advanced to intercept the coming party.
A powerful man clapped his hand on Blennerhassett's shoulder.

"Harman Blennerhassett, I arrest you in the name and by the authority
of the State of Ohio."

"The hell you do!" a gruff voice responded from the group of armed
men, who instantly levelled their guns at the intruder.

"Take your hands off that man, and take yourself away, or we will blow
your damned brains out!"

"Don't shoot! don't shoot!" cried the foiled agent of the State of
Ohio, taken by surprise. "You won't be rash enough to kill an old army
officer, will you?"

"We will be rash enough to shoot any man who interferes with our
affairs. Who the devil are you?"

"I am General Tupper."

He came forward, into the light of the fire, and was recognized by
several.

"You say you represent the State of Ohio," Blennerhassett faltered.
"This island belongs to the State of Virginia; you have no business
here."

"Blow his head off!" growled one of the guards, and again the recruits
covered the spy with their muskets.

"For God's sake, men, don't fire! Upon my word and honor, I came here
with good intent. All Marietta is friendly to you, Mr. Blennerhassett.
Can't you be persuaded to give up your rash design? You are rushing to
your own ruin."

"Put down your guns," commanded Blennerhassett.

"Time is flying," whispered the wife, impatiently. "Let them scare him
away."

"If you delay us longer, General Tupper, I cannot be answerable for
what my men may do."

The cocking of a gun warned the well-intentioned officer to hurry
away.

"Farewell," he shouted back, "I wish you a safe escape down the river,
and a fortunate adventure."

The speech was answered by a yell of derision from the boatmen as they
leapt on board the batteau, muskets in hand.

"Good-bye, my love," whispe