The Deserter, Chapters III-VII [pp. 609-619]

SOUTHERN LITERARY AMESSENGER.
One of the aids narrowly remarked the countenance of the deserter while his superior uttered
this sarcasm upon his country; but whether the
American had become dead to all sense of national pride and spirit, or whatever was the cause, he,
at all events, did not betray the least feeling. On
the contrary, his naturally bright eye seemed fixed in a stare of vacant admiration on some of the
rich furniture near which he stood.
"A chance is now offered," resumed Clinton,
with apparent carelessness, rising and walking to
a window that gave a view of the glancing waters of the Hudson-" for some officer to serve his
King effectually. If that Legion could he brought
over en masse." He interrupted himself, as
though his attention had been attracted by some
object without.
The aids looked at each other. One smiled significantly, while the other darkly frowned-but
both remained silent. If they had chanced to
glance at Champe at that moment, they would
hav e caught his eye bent searchingly upon them.
As the disappointed Chief turned from the window,
the expression of the deserter's countenance instantly resumed the stare of stupid wonder, at the
splendor around him, which we have before noticed.
"You appear dull, gentlemen," said Clinton,
endeavoring to conceal the irritation which his
flashing eye revealed, despite the effort. " Do
yotr minds suggest no questions to put to this
man?"
WVhat is the current opinion in the rebel army
as to the probable fate of lindre?" abruptly asked
the officer w ho had appeared most indignant at the
indirect offer just made by his superior.
The face of Clinton flushed with deep anger;
but as he turned towards Champe, with the ostensible object of listening to the answver hlie might
make to the question, but in reality to conceal his
resentment, and the querist himself also continued
to regard the American closely, their eyes did not
meet.
"The whole army are opposed to taking his
life," answered Champe, without hesitation.
The countenance of Clinton resumed its complacency. " They cannot make him out a spy,"
said he, " let them do what they will."
"Ay-you mean the mnen," quickly rejoi,ned(l
the aid, addressing Chlampe. " What say the of-licers? What says Washington? What says that
peaceable man, the Quaker, Greene? IHave you
heard his opinion? Or have you heard that of the
foreign officers in the rebel service?"
"There are various opinions among the general
officers," answered Champe, exhibiting a slight
expression of impatience; for the royal officers had
been questioning him more than an hour. " But
I believe, your honor, it will make little difference
Yhat they think; it is said the affair will be referred to Congress."
As this appeared to preclude farther elucidation
of the sulject, Clinton was about closing the interview with his new adherent, when the aid who had
not before spoken, suddenly asked "Do you know whether Washington suspects
any officers of note of participating in the treathe conspir-that is, in the defection of Arnold."
"Ah, true," exclaimed Sir Henry, eagerly, answer that question."
"It is said that the commander-in chief is very
much agitated," returned Champe; "insoinucfi
that he is almost afraid to trust any of the officers
around him."
"Aha!" cried the delighted Briton. " One
more question, my good fellow, and we have done.
Is there not a certain officer of high rank whom
Washington particularly suspects.?"
The British General and his aids all appeared to
listen breathlessly for the answer to this question.
On the other hand, Chanipe did not, in reality, regard their every word, expression of countenance,
or motion, with an observation less searching and
close than that whiclh they bestowed upon him.
There was this difference however in their appearance-the royal officers did not conceal their anxiety, while the imperturbable Virginian seemed
perfectly indifferent. He even played carelessly
with the ornaments of the dragoon cap he held in
his hand, though he looked steadily at the countenance of the royal commander-in-chief, as he answered slowly —
"There is one officer, your excellency, who is
strongly suspected."
" His name?" demanded the scheming Clinton,
advancing a step, in his eagerness.
"He is a major-general," returned Champe,
somewhat evasively, and cautiously lookling around
the apartment, as though he did not feel secure,
even in the British head-quarters, in stigmatizing
with so foul a crime, an officer who had performed
signal service in defence of his country.
Enough," muttered Clinton, with grim exultation-"' I understand you."
The aids appeared to be greatly struck with the
intelligence, and to comprehend perfectly to whom
the American alluded.
"Colonel," resumned Clinton, addressing one of
them with an air of reassured and haughty superiority-'you will please write to General Arnold informing him of this affiir." Turning to
Champe, with a condescending smile, he said"upon Brigadier Arnold, my good fellow, you
will wait with this letter, when finished; and I
recommend you join without delay the' American
Legion,' which he is now raising for the service of
his majesty. M eanhile, here is an earnest of the
reward which I shall take care that you receive
for your commendable loyalty."
Then uttering a sigh, which if involuntary, was
creditable to his feelings, he added —" I sincerely
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