The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1852-09-16
WASHINGTON, ID. c.
For the National Era
MOLLY GRAHAM:
az HOW JOHNNY won HIS FIDDLE.
A TALE OF THE REVOLUTION.
nv MARTHA RUSSELL


Bill Glover was in high spirits as might, be
Judged by his obstreperous merriment, which
was by no means checked by the sight of the
epauette and plume of the young officer for,
as soon as he wasSgithn hailing distance, he
called out, pointing to the venison borne by
the lads
aHalloo. Leftenant! Jest in time, man. Look
bare We don't get such fodder as that every
dav IN at old Puts quarters, yonder!'
ma returned the young man, as the
oronn came up, mot if we are to take those
Sast bepves we had of you as a standard. Why,
nan thew were more fit for saddles and boots,
tban Cor food for Christian men,"
Won don t say so, Leftenant," said Glover.
with waggish kind Of leer oval, | never
suspicioned before that we called yerselves ex-
actiy members up there besides, the fact is
knowd We hadn't much to do since old Puts
growl sent the red-coats westward so thought,
lest to keep We from getting lazy, and falling
into the devils clutches, I'd keep yer jaws
agon. All for the good of the country, Lief
tenant--yaw! haw! haw!"
Was that the reason why you drove the
finest and latest Of the lot over the line into
York, in the night and sold them to Garth's
commissary!" asked the young man. suddenly
turning upon the hunter, or whatever he chose
to be called, glance that seemed to pierce
him through.
For brief second the man seemed embar
raised but as quickly rallying, he said in
tone of well-feigned surprise
Sold 'em to Garth Aye, yer at yer old
tricks now, tryin' to bambOozle a poor Teller.
Hark We, Glover" interrupted the young
man, gravely, there is whisper afOat in the
camp, that you have played some such game
| do not say it is so-n fact do not credit it !;
for after your own fashion. | have always
found you true But hint never comes amiss
to wise man; and let me tell you, should the
slightest proof that you are playing double
game reach General Putnam's ears, he will
hang you higher than Hannah"
The man looked grave for second, and
then answered, with his usual reckless laugh
q Not doubt ont, Leftenant, not a rational
doubt ont. Don't know that the old VOLTS
teeth are ALFRED sharp, and fellow don't slip
through their grip quite so easy? He's tightish
one, reckon. But Jest look here, Leftenant,"
he added, dropping the butt of his gun on the
ground, and leaning over the muzzle in way
that might have proved dangerous to a person
u
hant no stomach for berry -skerryin over the
country arter the tap of drum or the squeal
OF fife, but would be glad to get an honest
mouthfull for his woman and brats, and drink
his grog and smoke his pipe under his own
fgtree in peace, as the Bible says? If he
don't take nary side, Though, for that matter,
if must speak right out there would be no
mortal doubt on which side shall be, then
upn oon &c Il Il IL.
both parties suspicion him, and fusticate all
manner of lies about him. 1t is dubious KNOWN
what ten do, Leftenant"
Perhaps it is in your case," replied the
young man, with smile; "bnt whatever else
you may do he added, gravely, "be sure you
keep your fingers free from British gold, and
your ears from Tory tamperings Did you find
means to deliver my note - he added, in
lower tone.
al mate means, Leftenant Catch Bill
Glover IN fix when he couldn't do as much
as that tor friend. The individooal consumed
got 1t IN due order, signed sealed and deliver
ed as the lawyer chaps say. But come, LEI
tenant | make it pint never to talk over if
teen minutes on stretch without wetting my
pipes. Walk in, and take something There
rs drop or ten of rael old Jamaky in the case,
to say nothing of Hetty's two,year-old metheg-
lin
The officer was about to refuse, but seeing a
shadow of disappointment gathering on the
brow OF the hunter, and having reasons of his
own why he wished to conciliate him, he again
flung his bride to the gaping Bill, and entered
the house, whittier Mat Jennings and the two
lads had preceded them with their game
ohenng his guest seat, Bill proceeded to
hang up his gun in its usual resting place
above the fire place, and ia divest himself of
ms ieathern belt and its accomplishments,
winch were also suspended from wooden hooks
on ,nc ceiling, which was plentifully garnished
WIN implements of hunting and trophies of
success IN the shape Of stays horns and stuffed
skins of animals
All was hustle and confusion in the apart
men' the whole tribe of children had gather
gu rouhu the young Nimrods. listening TO their
Iclauoh OF The exploits of the chase Mat
'enn,ng' quietly sharpened his knife on the
.uos'ohe he had taken from the kitchen shelf.
uuno,cd ny the clamor about him; Hetty d.
.ie' ner attention between the dough i'm the
uy ana most MISUNDERSTANDING loaf that
was paklng IN shallow kettle over the fire.
"nie Molly Graham's wheel was set back
against the wall, and the maiden herself en-
sagea IN sitting quantity Of golden-hued
Inc young man had scarcely completed bis
a"Vey OF the apartment before he was reused
" MS hosts voice, calling on his wife TO bring
oC' tne case-bottles, and an order for some one
" ,he nrchins to bring pail of fresh water
pnt as they did not seem to heed or even hear
nun, he turned to Molly, and added
rs utterly impossible to make those brats
Know anything as long as there is game in the
,iouSe Here, Molly, ye're the only one that
Inows whether they are on their heels or their
neadS ye GO Haze girl, hazel" Then turn
Jug 70 ms guest, with laugh, he said-"Its
sooa deal OF chore ten make sech pack toe
I I" mark, as yen find out one of these days,
II ihey are healthy looking set of children.
no" many do You number ~ said the Young
man. w 'e
Vuite as many as are wanted. They are
more plague than profit any time but there
hi a"ers enough OF them in u poor mans
n2use was the curt reply of the woman to
MON the question had been more particularly
,s 'ni as she placed the bottles on the
me young man did not venture another
query but as Molly Graham entered at that
~ with trimming pail of water in
Docuience to his hosts invitation. he walked
np " the table, where he lost cote with all the
M amrs OF the family save the mother and |
% ,hh by preferring cup Of her metheglin |
oe ~ imported strong waters. In the midst |
tho on J,ngI'ng OF glasses and the clamor Of
en- ."iuren Tor the sugar in the bottom of the |
IN s 'ne "ihcer was startled Mt hearing sung, |
sna,ar very strong, but exquisitely sweet voice,
en from well-known popular song
The pipe il is SO lily white
." which so many take delight,
It's broke At q touch,
And mans life is such
Think Of this when you smoke tobacco
y