Thenceforward, whenever his old neighbors
heard of him, it was as being engaged in the cruelest outrages, the
boldest inroads, or the most determin'd attacks upon the army of his
countrymen or their peaceful settlements. Eight years brought the
rebel States and their leaders to that glorious epoch when the last
remnant of a monarch's rule was to leave their shores--when the last
waving of the royal standard was to flutter as it should be haul'd
down from the staff, and its place fill'd by the proud testimonial of
our warriors' success.
Pleasantly over the autumn fields shone the November sun, when a
horseman, of somewhat military look, plodded slowly along the road
that led to the old Vanhome farmhouse. There was nothing peculiar in
his attire, unless it might be a red scarf which he wore tied round
his waist. He was a dark-featured, sullen-eyed man; and as his glance
was thrown restlessly to the right and left, his whole manner appear'd
to be that of a person moving amid familiar and accustom'd scenes.
Occasionally he stopp'd, and looking long and steadily at some object
that attracted his attention, mutter'd to himself, like one in whose
breast busy thoughts were moving. His course was evidently to the
homestead itself, at which in due time he arrived. He dismounted, led
his horse to the stables, and then, without knocking, though there
were evident signs of occupancy around the building, the traveler made
his entrance as composedly and boldly as though he were master of the
whole establishment.
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