Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1857-04-25
NJ | S G E L L A N Y.
SIX hUbEtSI An IN ES.
A Scottish Tale of Real Life.

Early in the eighteenth century, young
gentleman, Robert lnnes fell heir to the baro-
netcy of Orion, a title of some standing in his
name and family. BY a concurrence Of adverse
circumstances, not one rood OF land, nor any
property whatever, followed the destination of
the ritual honors. This was particularly hard
in his case, as he had received liberal eGuca-
tion, and such general training, in short, as is
usually bestowed on heirs presumptive or ap-
parent 10 titles that have substantial amour,
Of acres appended to them.
Few situations could be more painful than
that in which the young baronet found himself
when he acquired the right to place before his
name the important monosyllable which entitled
him to hold prominent place in society, while
at the same time he was totally devoid ofmain-
tening that place with fitting credit and respec-
liability. He felt his position to be one of ex-
trene difficulty, aud was for time altogether
at loss how TO procure his maintenance in a
manner consistent with the preservation, not Of
his rank and dignity, but simply Of honesty and
independence of character. One profession on
ly, if it may be properly so called, remained
open 10 him, namely, the profession of arms,
and TO this the young baronet naturally turned
his attention. Had he beseiged the doors of
those who had known his family in better days,
he might possibly have at once entered the. mil
itary service in station corresponding with
his social rank but the risk of encounering
scornfu refusals, and other such like fears and
feelings, caused the indignant baronet 10 shrink
from becoming petitioner, desirable as it would
have been TO attain the object in question. He
therefore preserved the independence which he
loved, by entering the British army in the ca
pacity Of private soldier. The drag goons was
the body in which he enrolled himself, retain
ing his own name, but dropping of course the
title which had descended TO him from his an
cestors.
In this condition Sir Robert lnnes remained
for considerable time, fulfilling regularly an'
peacefully the duties imposed upon him, AM
giving no expression to the regrets which coul'
not but occasionally arise in the breast of ON
moving in sphere so far. below that to whic
he was suited by birth and education. Th
monotonous tenor Of his life was at length bro
ken in upon in an unexpected and remarkable
way. While Standing sentry one evening a
the quarters of Colonel Winram, the comman
ucT VI iCBimeHt, hO "ao nSSoo'Su W "a St ~
ger, apparently an officer of another regiment
who inquired if the Colonel was at that momer
engaged. The sentinel courteously answere
E that he believed he was, but probably woul
: soon be al leisure, and then recommended hi
g march, The stranger followed, and continue
+ the conversation, in order, ostensibly, to Will
L away The time until the Colonel should be {
lo liberty 10 receive him, but in reality 10 satst
2 himself on point ofcuriosity which had sprun
nt up in his mind. to which some glmmering re'
" objection Of features had given rise. Whe
p the gentleman who had been in conference wit
Colonel Winram was seen to depart, the straI
ger took leave of the sentinel. and entered II
#, commandments quarters.
e "Coonel," said the officer, after paying h
VI respects on entrance, 'yon are at present hig
OF ly honored, you may not be aware of it,"
10 "How may this be, my good friend'" ask'
- the Colonel.
SIN respect of your attendant sentry" sa
re the officer; STEW princes can boast OF mo
p honorable guard than the one now pacing bac
Be wards and forwards in front of your quarters.
The old Colonel was surprised at the gra