We purpose to come upon them
suddenly, so that they shall be taken in their own snare. I have
raised L3000 on the jewels conveyed to me from Lathom by the last
sally, which sum I purpose giving in largess to the soldiers, that
it may quicken them to thy help. My prayers and blessing for thee
and the children.--Thine,
"DERBY."
This secret intelligence had missed its destination. The gaoler had
unfortunately picked it up from where some friendly hand had thrown it,
reserving the curious envelope for Gideon's breakfast, not aware of the
important message it contained. But the prisoner, more wary than his
keeper, when he felt the paper between his teeth, rightly judged that
it was some communication of importance to his enemies, and craftily
conveyed it, as we have seen, into the hands of Captain Moseley.
No mean act of heroism for a starving man to wrench the food from his
own jaws,--a deed we might in vain look for amongst the patriots of our
own day,--persons who would sneer at the fanaticism, and, it may be, the
sincerity of Gideon Greatbatch.
Consternation was visible throughout the assembly.
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