The Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1837-1867, 1860-01-13
A Game Dinner.
JONATHAN Ross, Sec'y.

Shortly after the war with Great Britain,
an aristocratic English gentleman built fine
residence in the vicinity of Fort George on
the Niagara frontier, and in accordance with
the old country idea of exclusiveness. he en-
closed his grounds with high, tight fence.
Here he lived like an old English gentleman
one of the olden time-with the exception
that none but the elite of the Province and
the officers of the neighboring garrison, were
allowed to pass his gate. There was very
good understanding between the American |
officers at Fort Niagara and the British at
Fort George, and the men were permitted oc
casionaly to visit back and forth. Among
the American soldiers was queer chap, who
suffered terribly, was very fond of hunting,
and was always getting into some sort of
mischief.
One day this chap took the small boat
that lay moored at the foot of the walls of
the fort, and crossed over to the Canadian
shore for hunt. He wandered over sever
al miles in the rear ofFort George, but with
out meeting any game, and, on his return,
seeing crow on tree within the enclosure
Of the aristocratic Englishman, he scaled the
high fence, fred. and brought down his game
Colonel, or whatever his title may have been,
1--WE call him Colonel, anyhow) witnessed the
transaction, and advanced while our soldier
was reloading. He was very angry but see
ing the Yankee standing coolly with the gun
in his hand, he gulped down his passion for
moment, and merely asked him if he killed
the crow. The Yankee replied that he did.
Il am very sorry,' said the Colonel, "for he
was pet. BY the by, that is a very pretty
gun-will you be SO kind as to let me look
at it ?" The soldier complied with the re-
quest. The Englshman took the gun, step
ped back few PAGES, took deliberate aim,
then broke forth in trade of abuse, con-
Guiding with an order to stoop down and
take bite of The crow, or he would blow
his brains out. The soldier explained, apol-
ogized and entreated. 1t was of no use.
There was shot in the Englishman's eye
there was no help for it-and the suffering
soldier stopped and took bite of the crow,
but swallow it he could not. Up came his
breakfast-his dinner the day before, and it
really appeared as if he would throw up his
toe-nails. The Englishman gloated on the
misery of his victim, and smiled complacent-
" at every additional heave. When he had
got through vomiting, and had wiped his
eyes, the Colonel handed him his gun, with
the remark, Now, YOU rascal, that will
teach you how to poach on gentleman's en-
closure"
The Yankee soldier took his gun, and the
Colonel might have seen the devil in his eye
if he had looked close. Stepping back, he
took aim at the heart of his host, and order
ed him instantly to finish the crow. Angry
expostulations, prayers and entreaties were
Useless things. There was shoot in the Amer
ican eye then, as there had been in the Eng
lish before. There was no help at hand, and
he took bite of the crow. One bite was
enough to send all the good dinners he had
eaten lately on the same journey with the
garrison of the soldier, and while the Eng
lishman was in the agony of sickness, Jona-
than escaped.
The next morning, early, the commandant
Of Fort Niagara was sitting in his quarters,
when Col. - was announced.
"Sir," said Col. -, Il come to demand
the punishment Of one of your men, who
yesterday entered my premises and commit
ted great outrage"
1--WE have three hundred men here, and it
would be difficult to know who you mean"
said the officer.
The Englishman described him as long,
dangling, suffering, stoop-shouldered, ugly
devil
An! know who you mean, said the OH
GER; "he is always getting into mischief. Or
derly, call Tom."
In few minutes Tom entered and stood
as straight as his natural build would allow,
while not trace of emotion was visible on
his countenance.
> "Tom," said the officer, "do you know this
gentleman
"Ye-ye-es, sir"
; "Where did you see him before?"
gill" said Tom, suffering awfully, but
retaining the grave expression natural to his
. face; 4 di-di-di-dined with him yesterday"
We believe Tom was not punished-Indi.
= anapolis Journal.