my trust is in God; he has never deserted me!" and, resuming the
path, he shortly reached the mansion of Rufus Rugsdale.

"His appearance was the signal of joy among the party assembled, each of
whom vied with the other to do him honour. Although grave in council,
and bold in war, yet in the bosom of domestic bliss no one knew better
how to render himself agreeable. The old were cheered by his consolatory
word; the young by his mirthful manner; nor even in gallantry was he
wanting, when it added to the cheerful spirit of the hour. The
protestations of friendship and welcome were warmly tendered to him by
his host. Fast and thick the guests were assembling; the laugh and
mingling music rose joyously around. The twilight was fast emerging into
night; but a thousand sparkling lamps of beauty gave a brilliancy of day
to the scene; all was happiness; bright eyes and blooming aces were
every where beaming; but alas! a serpent was lurking among the flowers.

"In the midst of the hilarity, the sound of a cannon burst upon the ear,
startling the guests and suspending the dance. Washington and the
officers looked at each other with surprise, but their fears were
quickly dispelled by Rugsdale, who assured him it was only a discharge
of ordnance in honour of his distinguished visitors. The joy of the
moment was again resumed, but the gloom of suspicion had fallen upon the
spirit of Washington, who sat in moody silence apart from the happy
throng.

"A silent tap upon the shoulder aroused him from his abstraction, and
looking up he perceived the person of the Indian standing in the shadow
of a myrtle bush close to his side.

"'Ha! again here!' he exclaimed with astonishment; but she motioned him
to be silent, and kneeling at his feet, presented him with a bouquet of
flowers. Washington received it, and was about to place it in his
breast, when she grasped him firmly by the arm, and pointing to it, said
in a whisper '_Snake! Snake!_' and the next moment mingled with the
company, who appeared to recognise and welcome her as one well-known and
esteemed.

"Washington regarded the bouquet with wonder; her words and singular
appearance had, however, sunk deeper into his heart, and looking closer
upon the nosegay, to his surprise he saw a small piece of paper in the
midst of the flowers. Hastily he drew it forth, and confounded and
horror-stricken, read, '_Beware! you are betrayed_!' It was now apparent
that he was within the den of th