on and education the more deserving he is of punishment. Sergeant
of the guard, carry out the sentence pronounced on the prisoner."

"You see it is useless, my friend," said the young man. "Come and
assist me to meet death like a man."

"Oh, my friend, say rather like a Christian," cried Mercer, again taking
his hand; and together they walked to a tree where a sergeant and some
soldiers were arranging a block and rope. Mercer was allowed to
continue by the side of his friend, and together they knelt down on the
grass and prayed for mercy and forgiveness to Him who is the fountain of
all mercy and swift to forgive. The chaplain of one of the regiments
had been sent for. He came at length, and the prisoner accepted his
ministrations alone, but soon again asked Mercer to join him.

In a short time, terribly short it appeared to me, the officer in charge
of the party looked at his watch. The prisoner saw the movement; he
started to his feet. "I am ready," he exclaimed, with a firm voice; "I
willingly give my life for my country's freedom, well assured that ere
long America will be free to advance onward in the fulfilment of the
mighty destiny in store for her, and those who now seek to oppress her
will have departed with defeat and disgrace from her shores."

Mercer entreated him, when he ceased speaking, to calm himself; he did
so with wonderful self-command. Another quarter of an hour was allowed
him, and at the end of it a signal was given, the rope was thrown over
his neck, and he was run up to a high branch of the tree under which he
had been standing. There was a loud cry, but it was uttered by Mercer;
Delisle and I rushed forward--our messmate had fainted. We got him into
a neighbouring hut, where an officer gave us every assistance in his
power. Meantime the body of the spy had been removed. As soon as
Mercer had recovered we led him as quickly at possible out of the camp
in the direction of our ship, and got him without delay on board. He
made no allusion on the way to what had occurred; nor did he indeed ever
speak of it to me. I expected to find the next day that he was taken
ill, but he still went about his duty as usual, though his nervous
system had received a shock from which it was evident he would take long
to recover. This was the last adventure I have noted during our stay at
New York.

CHAPTER SIX.

ONCE MORE AT SEA.--DRIVE A SCHOONER ON SHORE.--BLOWS UP.--MERCER'S
DEATH.--CAPTUR