Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1862-04-03
I'll listellan&Uus.
The Fugitive Lieutenant.

1t was while the American army was treez
mr aud starving at Valley Forge, and the
British army We're rioliug and luxuriating in
Philadelphia, that lame, dirty, brggarly
looking fellow, walking with a cruLch, APP
proachcd the northern outpost of the royal
forces, uud with a simple, ldiotic laugh aud
leer announced his intention of entering the
cav, aud taking the British General prisoner
Indeed then | shall be under the uecessi-
ty OF aneslIng you," said young 6ubaltern,
amkng at Sume of his companions, aud as
suming Il SeI,Cus air.
He he ho y laughed the idiot just
you Try lt--thal's ALL
Why, my good fellow, what would you
do"
DO !" exclaimed the other, drawing him
self up with an air Of deRauce- why, I'd tell
the great General Washington"
Then, rm afraid to eHterupon your arrest,
So pass Oh you Will probably tud General
Howe prepared TO receive YOU"
The IDIOT suddenly looked troubled, glaDcing
about him weurily and su>picously, as if he
feared he might meet the General he vas so
boldly going 10 capture, but finally hobbled
of toward the ely. With some su-h silly
dialogue he got past the different sentries, who
seemed 10 give him no thought beyond the
amusement Of the time. BY night he was
fairly within the town, and kept on his way
sometimes In lining Snatches OF old songs, aud
"a general, not much noticed hy any. Through
Que street after another he continued 10 hob.
be forward until lie came to one of great
length, containing a block of three story re
speelable looking HOUSES, which nigh; have
been occupied 10y persons in middle crcun
Stances This street was not lighted, aud ap.
geared deserted, so that when he stopped be-
fore c;se 0f the dwellings, he was not perceived
de Knocked at The door A woman's head
appeared at the sec0ad story window.
Won't you give me something TO eat,
lnaam ain nearly starved, > said the idiot.
Yes, poor fellow !" replied the woman, ia
kindly tone " in a minute | will hand You
something"
Soon after lower shutter was pushed back,
and a hand containing some bread and meat
vas thrust out.
Mother" said low voice.
Gracious heaven !" exclaimed the female
Elhn, il an agtaIed tone.
Hush !" returned the beggar in guarded
ThisDer
moment after the door was thrown open
le,, maam-thank you--don't care If
90" as II IN answer to an invitation to come
W. eI tue same time crossing the threshold
WIN an appearance of deep humiliation
IOe nonyut the door closed behind him the
lnaA dropped his crutch, and flung his arms
1'ound ",. lAe other, fairly sobbiCg-
noIher dear, dear mother !"
William p exclaimed the other, pressing
,ae ragged medicant TO her heart " oh nv
a'ar dear William ? what is the meaning Of
pight?"
have passed the British liues in this dis
slSe, playing the fool to the sentrieS But
's'' me how you are, deur mother and how
!Ol .aFe IN these troublesome tunes 2"
IHaIlerehtlg well. my son. The British
ave our masters here but so far / have little
"coupan OF in the way of personal treat
ISGI Provisions are very scarce aud high,
all only by the strictest economy shall be
SO'e 10 live through, if they continue TO retaiu
I9s tsSton Of the city any considerable time
1'ur sister Mary is at your uncle'S in Della.
y, "'ae' and will deeply regret that she missed
'1s opportunity OF seeing You"
Are you alone, mother 2"
,;,, NO Two English gentlemen are boarding
., DO they belong TO the army 2" inquired
S Ss!oanS man, quickly, uueaSiy aud are
'1sy 10 The house p
4, 40 they appear to be private gentlemen
some means oJd neither is within at present