“In his youth he had been a school companion of Captain Edwards, but their principles were widely dissimilar, and little intercourse had taken place between them.  In after life they embraced different sides, and the tory disliked the whig for his virtues, and envied his good name.  In one of his marauding expeditions he became acquainted with Miss Williams, and discovering the interest the republican had in her affections, he determined to get her into his power, for the purpose of holding a check on the whig officer, whom he equally feared and hated.  A libertine in principle, and a profligate in practice, he scrupled at no means to attain his object, and a violent attack on the peaceful dwelling of a defenceless woman was as consonant with his views as robbing a hen-roost.

“The dwelling of this renegade was situated on a small hill on the bank of the river Hudson.  His peculiar occupation, and the state of affairs in the country, had rendered it necessary for him to fortify and strengthen his house, and, at the time referred to, it resembled, what in fact it was, the rendezvous of a band of lawless desperadoes.

“In the principal room of the building was the villain captain, with three of his officers, seated round a decayed table, playing cards; on one end of the table stood a dirty decanter, partly filled with apple brandy; three or four cracked, dingy tumblers were scattered over the table, and the rest of the furniture of the apartment was in keeping.  In one corner of the room sat Miss Williams, apparently in the depth of wretchedness.  She occasionally cast furtive glances at the captain, and then toward a small window, which was firmly barricaded; but seeing no prospect of escape, she relapsed again into hopeless sorrow.  Groups of blackguard soldiers were seated on stools in different parts of the room, many of them following the example of their officers, and others amusing themselves with burnishing their muskets and equipments.  After numerous potations from his bottle, the captain started up, reeling under the influence of the liquor, and addressing a ruffian-looking officer, one of his boon companions, said:  “’Lieutenant Jocelyn, have the drum beat to arms, and take these lazy knaves and scour the woods for a few miles around, and cut down or make prisoner every rebel rascal you meet; leave soldiers enough, however, to guard the old castle; quick—­blast me, no hesitation.’

“‘Humph!’ muttered the old soldier; ’ready enough to run his comrades into the noose, but devilish careful to keep his own delicate person out of danger.’

“’Ha! what say you, old grumbler?  You shall stay here and guard the lady, if you are so much afraid of your beautiful self; and I will take command of the men.’

“The lieutenant liked this proposition still worse than the former, but seeing no alternative, obeyed in silence.  In a short time, the captain, accompanied by about twenty men, including a sergeant and two corporals, left their camp and proceeded toward the wood.  It was night-fall when they reached the forest, through which the road was very narrow and circuitous.  They were travelling along the path in double files, when the sergeant in front ordered a halt.