he
joined them. His old comrades were greatly astonished to see him--a
deserter, as they supposed--and that Major Lee gave him a most cordial
reception. But the truth was soon told, and then his old corps showed
the greatest love and admiration for him. They were very proud of him,
but he was discharged from service because it was very certain that
the British, if they could get hold of him, would hang him."

"Is he alive now, papa?" asked Ned.

"Oh, no, my son; he died in 1798--a hundred years ago. At that time we
were threatened with a war with France, and Washington, appointed to
the chief command of our armies, sent to Colonel Lee to inquire for
Champe, intending to make him a captain of infantry. But it was too
late; the brave and gallant soldier had gone to another world."

"Dear man! I hope he went to heaven!" exclaimed Little Elsie in
quivering tones.

"I hope so," responded her father.

There was a moment of silence, presently broken by Ned. "Papa, you
know you promised to tell about Nathan Hale; please won't you do it
now?"

"I will," replied the captain. "He was a fine, brave, good young man;
described as very handsome--six feet tall, perfectly proportioned,
light-blue eyes beaming with intelligence, roseate complexion, and
soft light-brown hair. He was overflowing with good humor, and always
ready to help anyone in distress. He received a good education, his
father wishing him to enter the ministry; but he was teaching school
in New London when the news of the Battle of Lexington came. A town
meeting was at once held, and Hale was one of the speakers. He urged
prompt action, saying, 'Let us march immediately, and never lay down
our arms until we have obtained our independence.'

"He took part in the siege of Boston, and was made a captain in
January, 1776. He went to New York and did good service there. Early
in the fall, in response to a call from General Washington, he
volunteered to enter the British lines and procure intelligence.
Disguised as a schoolmaster and loyalist, he visited all of the
British camps on Long Island and in New York, openly making
observations, drawings, and memoranda of fortifications. When he had
about finished his work, he was seized by the British and taken before
Sir William Howe. On the evidence of papers found in his shoes, he was
condemned as a spy, and Sir William ordered him to be hanged. He asked
for a Bible, but it was refused him, nor would they let him see a