The news of the night-attack spread fast, and there was a period
of increased vigilance which compelled the outlaws to lie close in
their mountain fastnesses. But Phebe knew that her father's
enemies were still at large with their hate only stimulated
because baffled for a time. Therefore she did not in the least
relax her watchfulness; and she besought their nearest neighbors
to come to their assistance should any alarm be given.
When the spring and early summer passed without further trouble,
they all began to breathe more freely, but one July night John
Reynolds was betrayed by his patriotic impulses. He was awakened
by a loud knocking at his door. Full of misgiving, he rose and
hastily dressed himself: Phebe, who had slipped on her clothes at
the first alarm, joined him and said earnestly:
"Don't thee open the door, father, to anybody, at this time of
night;" and his wife, now lying ill and helpless on a bed in the
adjoining room, added her entreaty to that of her daughter. In
answer, however, to Mr. Reynolds's inquiries a voice from without,
speaking quietly and seemingly with authority, asserted that they
were a squad from Washington's forces in search of deserters, and
that no harm would ensue unless he denied their lawful request.
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