Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1861-11-29
MistfllanenMS.
The Fugitive Lieutenant.

and the British army were rlotlng and
luxuriatng at Philadelphia, that lame,
dirty, beggarly looking fellow, walking
with crutch, approached the northern
outpost of the Royal forces and with
simple, idotc laugh and lecr, announced
his intention of entering the city and TAX
ing the British General prisoner.
"Indeed then | shall be under the
necessity of arresting you said young
subaltern, winking at some of his eom-
panions, and assuming serious air.
Ha. ha ha !" laughed the IDIOT ;
just you try it, that's all"
why, my good fellow, what would
you do ?"
Do?" exclaimed the other, drawing
himself up with an air Of defiance, why
Id tell the great General Washington.
Then am afraid to venture on your
arrest. SO pass on-you will probably
find General Howe prepared to receive
YOU
The IDIOT suddenly looked troubled,
glancing about him warily and suspicious
" as if he feared he might meet the Cen
eral he was so boldly going to capture
but finally hobbled off toward the CITY,
With some such dialogue he got past the
different scntries, who seemed to give him
no thought beyond the amusement of
time. BY night he was fairly within the
town. and kept on his way, sometimes
murmnrng snatchcs Of old songs, and i'll
general not much noticel by any one.
Through one street after another he con-
tnued to hobbe forward, he came to one
of no great length, containing a block OF
three story, respectable looking houses,
which might be occupied by persons in
mddlins circumstances. This street was
not lighted, and appeared deserted, 50
that when he stopped before one OF the
dwellings, he was not perceived. He
Knocked at the door, and woman's head
appeared at the second story window.
Won't you give me something to eat,
ma am? I'm nearly starved, said the
idiot.
Yes, poor fellow . replied the wo.
man, in kindly tone; in minute
will hand you something"
Soon after lower shutter was pushed
little back, aud Il hand containing some
bread and meat was thrust out.
Mother - said a low voice.
Gracious heaven :" exclaimed the te-
male within, in an agitatcd tone.
Hush :" returned the beggrr, IN a
guarded whisper,
\ moment after the door was thrown
+ open.
I Yes, ma 'am-thank you-dont care
! if do said the beggar, as II in reply
to an invitation to come in, at the same
i time crossing the threshold with an ap-
pcarance of deep humility.
The moment the door closed behind
him, the man dropped his crutch and
threw his arms around the other fairly
sobbne,
Mother dear, dear mother ~
William - exclaimed the other,
pressing the ragged mendicant to her
heart oh, my dear, dear William
/ what is the meaning Of this and how is
it | find you here in ,hi, sad plight p
II have passed the British lines in this
disguise, playing the fool to the sentfies.
But tell me how you are, dear mother,
and how you fare in these troublous
/ times.
Indifferently well, my son. The
British are our masters here, but so tar
have little to complain of in the way OF
personal treatment. Provisions are scarce
and high, and only by the strictest econo-
my shall | be able to live through, II
they continue to retain possession of the
city any considerable length Of time.
Your sister Mary is at your uncle's IN
Delaware, and will deeply regret that she
has missed this opportunity of seeing
you"
-" Are you alone, mother -
" No, two English gentlemen are board
ing with me-"
DO they belong to the army ~ in-
quired the young man, quickly and earn
estly; :" and are they now IN the house :!
" No, they appear to be private gen
tlcmen of some means, and neither Is
within at present. But you look troubled
have you anything to fear, my son r
IF detected | may be hung as Il spy y
"Good heavens :" exclaimed the moth
er, in alarm; you terrify me- , Are you
without permission without pass y
Yes did not say | played the fool
to the sentries, and got past them y
but | thought that was for your
amusement. Oh, William, if you should
be discovered Why did you venture IN
this desperate manner =
Il could not get u pass, and l was so
anxious to see you and Mary that re-
solved to risk all"
"Quick, then, come up stairs, and let
me fix upon hiding place at once, before
anything happens! Oh, William, l am
so alarmed"
Both hastened up stairs to the third
story, and, after considering several places,
decided that the loft close under the root
might be the best for concealment, as the
trap door leading to it could be fastened
underneath, which would tend to blind
search; while the young man, If pressed,
could escape to the roof, and, by means OF
long rope, fastened to the chimney, could
lower himself into either the yard or the
street. This would not insure his escape,
but it was the best plan the two could
think of, and served to render both less
fearful of detection and the serious con,
sequences. Having provided the rope
the mother hastened to bring up large
ouantitv of food. which her son began tC