Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1861-08-15

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before him. When the adjutant went up to
him he slowly raised his head ), as he did SO,
Fritz was convinced that he was the general
of the army.
After q few words of conversation had
passed between them, the general arotIoned
to the adjutan. to leave, and beckoued &c
Fritz tc come up to the table where he was.
What is your name?" he asked, as he
locked at the boy FROM head to foot.
Fritz Bollerman, bat everybody calls me
| Soldier Frttz," was the prompt reply.
The general smiled, and inquired further
where did you come from q
From Brandenbprg
What brought 20 heFe?"
wanted my father to have some of our
good potatoes, and here is a bag of them for
| him."
I'D you say you have potatoes in that
sack for your father r.
"Seeing is believing, respected general
Here they are, as smooth and round as peb-
bles from the brook" answered Fritz, as he
united the mouth Of the sack.
"Eery we'll, my son. They are indeed ex-
cellent potatoes, and sharpen up my appetite
amazingly. But do you go in the little room
yonder, and stay until / call you. Leave
your bag here it will be safe in my care.
So Fritz lifted the little curtain that served
for door, and entered the room at the back
of the tent. AS the large armchair was
empty he sat down in it, and being weary,
from his toilsome journey, be soon fell asleep
there. lie was snori' G loud eR 'ugh, I can
assure you, when the general went in and
looked at him half an hour afterwards. But
while be was sound asleep, the general was
busy in arranging for a supper. Ee invited
Sergeant Bollernan, and all the highest ofi-
ce rs in the army, to come to his tent that
evening tor tea. Then he gave the necessary
orders to his cock, as to what ne and his
guests would have to eat.
The hear for supper arrived. All who bad
been invited came in good time, 1t was a
matter of surprise to the high officers to fnd
that Sergeant Bollerman had been request ed
to take, sapper with the general, as he had
| never before received such an honor. Indeed,
the sergeant hiraself was almost overpowered
when he read the Invitation, and at first
thought there must be some mistake.
/ The most remarkable thing on the table
was large covered dish. Everything else
was handed round, but this was not touch
ed
Occasionally some of the officers glanced at
it in curiosity. The general noticed it and
smiled at bis adjutant, who was the only one
besides himself that knew the secret. Final
! " the order was given to the waiter to take
the lid of sha dish: What should everybody
see but potatoes avith the skins on them Tru-
ly this was not expected. So.ae greater lux
ury WAS looked for. But You could not have
pleased Sergeant Bollerman better. He
would rather eat good potatoe than the
richest dainty.
"Thus far in our supper, my frienda, you
have been Eny guests" said the general, as a
smile played on his lips. :" But for the re-
naming part of our meal-that is for the po
tatoes-you are the guests of Sergeant Boiler
lerman" The officers Inquired, with one
voice, how that could be. "Tell u.s." sale
they, !" how this comes 70 pass"
Il? Ga, no. can't tell story well,
answered the general. But hare gooG
historian near at hand. He will satisfy your
wishes. s. Adjutant, call our little FRIEND
from my private ROOM"
Everybody was On the tiptoe of expecta-
tion. Just now the sergeant seemed to have
caught the whole idea and he first turned
pale and hen red, as the eyes of the genera
rested on him. The adjutant entered tht
little chamber and in few minutes he lift
ed the curtain, leading out by the hand {
bright-eyed boy-Soldier Fritz.
'%Fritz, my dear Fritz! How did you ge
here ?" exclaimed the sergeant, quite un-
mindful cf the company in which he was.
The delighted boy made no reply. bp
rushed to his fathers arms, that were stretch
ed out to receive him. The scene was really
affecting. Even the general himself wa;
moved to tears. When some minutes of ST.
lence had passed by, the general told Erit,
to relate the history Of has journey, to the com
pan9 present. would have been delighte:
if you could have heard him. He told every
thing so truthfully and earnestly. When h,
had finished, the general made signal fol
the company to retire from the tent. But al
the sergeant was about leaving with the res
he was told that his presence was further
needed, and was requested to go into the lit
tie room of which ! have spoken before. 81
he and Fritz went in there together.
By-aud-by the general came in, holding {
large piece of parchment in one hand, and
long purse full of gold pieces in the other.
He then said to oSergeant Bollerman. I" M,
friend, here is your discharge from service il
the army, together with the guaranty Of ,
pension as long as you live. And this purs,
contains a little present for your faithful son
1t will help to educate him and ft him fo
usefulness"
General, you are so kindl ! have no
deserved such fayors as these" replied th,