George now became silent, and appeared for a time lost in the reflections of his own mind. A good impression had been made. He seemed to feel the force of the argument which his father had used; and, from this time, it is believed, never questioned the truth, which lies at the foundation of all religion, that there is a God, the author and proprietor of all things.

GENERAL WASHINGTON was as much distinguished for his sagacity as his bravery. He was seldom surprised-seldom ensnared. The British, in one way and another, often meditated his ruin, but, by some means, he was as often providentially delivered.

At one time, while the American army was at West Point, Washington was in singular danger, but was wonderfully preserved. Not far distant, the general had an intimate acquaintance, in whose family he enjoyed the kindest hospitality, as well as relief from many of those sterner engagements, which harrassed his weary mind. As every circumstance was food to either army, a visit like this, not many miles from their camp, could not long escape the cognizance of the English; and to possess a prisoner like General Washington, would tend, in their opinion, to shorten the period of the war. But the undertaking was difficult: there were always advanced guards to cover the American commander, and there was no mode of discovering his visits, except by winning over some of the family.

The friend whom the general visited, was once thought to have espoused the interests of the British; but he had taken a decided stand in favour

of America, and, though a brave man, he professed the strictest neutrality, alleging as his reason his years and dependant family.

During the intimacy of the general, it was rumoured in the American army, that his friend had been seen often returning from the British camp. Washington seemed to disregard the account, for he never ceased to visit the family, and apparently mingled so cordially with the host as if no suspicion had crossed his mind.

At length, one day, as the general was taking his leave, his friend earnestly requested him to dine with him the following afternoon, emphatically named the hour of two, as the moment of expecting him. He reminded him of the uncommon delight which his intimacy conferred, begged him to lay aside every formality, and regard his house as his home, and hinted that he feared the general did not take it in that light, as the guard that always accompanied him seemed to indicate that he was not visiting a friend.

"By no means, dear sir," exclaimed the worthy patriot; "there is no man I esteem more than yourself, and as a proof of the confidence I repose in you, I will visit you alone to-morrow, and I pledge my sacred honour, that not a single soldier shall accompany me."

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"Pardon me, general,” cried the host; "but why so serious on so trifling a subject? I merely jested." I am aware of it," said the hero, smiling; "but what of that? I have long considered the planting of these outposts as unnecessary, in as much as they may excite the suspicion of the

enemy; and although it be a trifle, that trifle shall not sport with the friendship you indulge for me." "But, then, the hour, general?"

"Oh yes! two o'clock, you said."

"Precisely!" returned the other.

At one o'clock, the following day, the general mounted his favourite horse, and proceeded alone, upon a by-road, which conducted him to the hospitable mansion. It was about half an hour before time, and the bustling host received him with open arms, in addition to the greetings of the delighted family.

"How punctual, kind sir!" exclaimed the warmhearted friend.

"Punctuality," replied Washington, "is an angel virtue, embracing minor, as well as important concerns. He that is not punctual with a friend, may doubt his integrity."

The host started, but recovering himself, he added," Then yours is a proof that we may enjoy your fullest confidence."

Washington proposed a promenade upon the piazza, previous to the dinner. It overlooked a rough country, several miles in extent; fields of grain sweeping here and there beneath sides of bleak hills, producing nothing but grass; shallow runnels of water flowing along the uneven waste, then hidden by woodlands, intercepting a prospect of the country beyond, spotted now and then with silver glimpses of the Hudson, stealing through the sloping grounds below, and chequered on both sides by the dim purple Highlands, frowning sometimes in hoary

D D

battlements, and tapering again into gentle valleys hardly illuminated by the sun.

"This is fine bold scenery," exclaimed the general, apparently absorbed in the beauty of the prospect."

"Yes, Sir," replied his friend, looking wistfully around, as if expecting some one's approach; but catching the piercing glance of Washington, his eyes were fastened confusedly on the floor.

"I must rally you, my friend," observed the general; "do you not perceive yonder point, that boldly rises from the water, and is suddenly lost behind that hill, which obstinately checks the view?"

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"I do," replied the absent listener engaged apparently in something else than the subject of inquiry. "There," continued the hero, my enemy lies encamped, and were it not for a slight mist, I could almost fancy that I perceived his cavalry moving; but hark-that cannon! Do you not think it proceeds from the head quarters of the enemy?"

not

While pointing out to his friend the profile of the country, the face of the latter was often turned the other way, seemingly engrossed in another subject, immediately behind the house. He was mistaken; it was a troop, seemingly of British horse, that were descending a distant hill, winding through a labyrinth of numerous projections and trees, until they were seen galloping through the valley below, and then again they were hidden by a field of forest, that swelled along the bosom of the landscape.

"Would it not be strange," observed the general, apparently unconscious of the movements behind

him, "that after all my toils, America should forfeit

her liberty?"

"Heaven forbid !" said his friend, becoming less reserved, and entering more warmly into the feelings of the other.

"But," resumed Washington, "I have heard of treachery in the heart of one's camp, and, doubtless, You know that it is possible to be wounded in the house of one's friend.".

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Sir," demanded the downcast host, unable to meet the searching glance of his companion," who can possibly intend so daring a crime ?”

"I only meant," replied the other, "that treachery is the most hideous of crimes; for, Judas-like, it will even sell its Lord for money!"

"Very true, dear Sir," responded the anzious host, as he gazed on a troop of British horse winding round the hill, and riding with post haste towards the hospitable mansion.

"Is it two o'clock yet?" demanded Washington; "for I have an engagement this afternoon with the army, and I regret that my visit therefore must be shorter than I intended."

"It lacks a full quarter yet," said his friend, seeming doubtful of his watch, from the arrival of the horsemen.

"But, bless me, Sir!" said Washington, "what cavalry are those that are so rapidly approaching the house?"

"Oh, they may possibly be a party of British light horse," returned his companion, coolly, "which mean no harm; and, if I mistake not, they have been sent for the purpose of protecting me."