The Spy Unmasked (Volume 1); Or, Memoirs of Enoch Crosby, Alias Harvey Birch, the Hero of the 'Spy, a Tale of the Neutral Ground', by Mr. Cooper

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1829. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... THE SPY UNMASKED. CHAP. I. THE SECRET PASS. -We must find An evident calamity, though we had Our wish, which side should win; for either thou Must, as a foreign recreant, De led With manacles through our streets, or else Triumphantly tread on thy country's ruin. Shakespeare's Coriolanus. As soon as our hero considered it prudent to leave his place of concealment in the West Mountain, which was not until the following night, he cautiously descended descended in a southern direction; and being, by this time, well acquainted with every pass through the Highlands, knowing where the ravines might be penetrated, and where the streams were fordable, he proceeded with silent celerity, and increasing confidence. For several hours he pursued his course without interruption, carefully avoiding such spots as he knew to be inhabited, sometimes plunging into thickets, at others finding it necessary to ascend hills that appeared to be almost inaccessible. About sunrise, he ventured to descend into the highway, where he continued to travel, until fatigue and hunger compelled him to seek for a habitation where he might safely apply for refreshment. At this juncture, he found himself within a quarter of a mile of a farmhouse, the owner of which he knew to be be a tory, and would doubtless supply his immediate wants. He directed his steps accordingly, and soon received a cheerful welcome from the mistress of the family, her husband being absent from home. He told his story, or as much of it as was proper to be related; and his loyal hostess could not find language to express her commiseration of his sufferings, and her indignity at the wrongs he had received at the hands of the abominable rebels! In short, she treated him like a son; and insisted upon his making her house his hom...