cond time Harvey rose in the estimation of the maid.

The valley in which was the residence of Mr. Wharton, ran in a direction from north-west to south-east, and the house stood on the side of a hill which terminated its length in the former direction. A small opening, occasioned by the receding of the opposite hill, and the fall of the land to the level of the tide water, afforded a view of the Sound over the tops of the distant woods on its margin. The surface of the water, which had so lately been lashing the shores with boisterous fury, was already losing its ruffled darkness in the long and regular undulations that succeed a tempest, while the light air from the south-west was gently touching their summits, lending its feeble aid in stilling the waters. Some dark spots were now to be distinguished, occasionally rising into view, and again sinking behind the lengthened waves which interposed themselves to the sight. They were unnoticed by all but the pedlar. He had seated him

self on the piazza, at a distance from Harper, and appeared to have forgotten the object of his visit. His roving eye, however, soon caught a glimpse of these new objects in the view, and he sprang up with alacrity, gazing intently towards the water. The juices of the tobacco soon disfigured the floor of Miss Peyton-he moved his place -glanced his eye with marked uneasiness on Harper-and then said with great emphasis

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"The rig'lars must be out from below." Why do you think so?" inquired Captain Wharton, eagerly; "God send it may be true; I want their escort in again."

"Those ten whale boats would not move so fast," answered Birch, dryly, "unless they were better manned than common."

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Perhaps," cried Mr. Wharton, in alarm, they are they are continentals returning from the island."

They look rig'lers," said the pedlar, with great meaning;

"Look!" repeated the Captain; is nothing but spots to be seen."

"there

Harvey disregarded his observation, but seemed to be soliloquizing as he said, in an under tone-" They came out before the gale-have laid on the island these two days-horse are on the road-there will soon be fighting near us." During this speech Birch several times glanced his eye towards Harper, with evident uneasiness, but no corresponding emotion betrayed any interest of that gentleman in the scene. He stood in silent contemplation of the view, and seemed enjoying the change in the air. As Birch concluded, however, Harper turned to his host and mentioned, that his business would not admit of unnecessary delay; he would therefore avail himself of the fine evening to ride a few miles on his journey. Mr. Wharton made many professions of regret at losing so agreeable an inmate : but was too mindful of his duty not to speed the parting guest, and orders were instantly given to that effect.

The uneasiness of the pedlar increased in a manner for which nothing apparent

could account; his eye was constantly wandering towards the lower end of the vale, as if in expectation of some interruption from that quarter. At length Cæsar appeared leading the noble beast which was to bear the weight of the traveller. The pedlar officiously assisted to tighten the girths, and fasten the blue cloak and valisse to the mail straps.

Every preparation being completed, Harper proceeded to take his leave. To Sarah and her aunt he paid his compliments with ease and kindness-but when he came to Frances, he paused a moment, while his face assumed an expression of more than ordinary benignity; his eye repeated the blessing which had before fallen from his lips, and the maid felt her cheeks glow and heart beat with a quicker pulsation as he spoke his adieus. There was a mutual exchange of polite courtesy between the host and his parting guest; but as Harper frankly offered his hand to Captain Wharton, he remarked in a manner of great solemnity

"The step you have undertaken is one of much danger, and disagreeable consequences to yourself may result from itin such a case I may have it in my power to prove the gratitude I owe your family for its kindness."

"Surely, sir," cried the, father, losing sight of delicacy in apprehension for his child, " you will keep secret the discovery which your being in my house has enabled

you to make."

Harper turned quickly to the speaker, and then losing the sternness which had begun to gather on his countenance, he answered mildly, "I have learnt nothing in your family, sir, of which I was ignorant before-but your son is safer from my knowledge of his visit, than he would be without it."

He bowed to the whole party, and without taking any notice of the pedlar other than by simply thanking him for his attentions, mounted his horse, and, riding steadily and gracefully through the little gate, was