Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1871-01-28
SuIss 4 stetebss.
TsHE FUGITIVE hrEuTENaNT.

1t was while the American Army wa.
| freezing and starving at Valley Forge, an,
the British was rioting and luXuriatnC il
/ Philadelphia, that lame dirty, bcggarlN
/ looking fellow, walking with crutch, ap
! preached the northern outpost of the Roya
| forces, and. with Il simple, idiotc laugl
and lecr announced his intention Of enter.
ing the city and taking tho British Genera
/ prisoner.
Indeed ?-then shall be under the ne
cessity Of arrcsting You 7" said young SUI
baltern, winking at some Of bis compan.
ions. and assuming Il serious air.
! He he he ~ laughed the idiot; Just
! you try it., that's ALL
Why, my good fellow, what would you
do P"
'Do?' exclaimed the other drawing
himself up with an air of defiance why.
I'd tell the great General Washington
Then | am afraid TO venture on your
arrest. SO pass on-you will probably find
General How prepared to receive you."
The idiot suddenly looked troubled,
glaucing aboul him warily and suspicious
ly, as if he feared he might meet the gene
raj he was SO boldly going to capture, but
finally hobblcd of toward the city. With
some such silly dialogue he got past the diff
terent sentries, who seemed to givU him no
thought beyond the amusement Of the time.
BY night he was fairly in the town, and
kept on his way, sometimes hummiug
snatches of old songs and in general not
noticed much by any. Through one street
to another he continued to hObble forward,
til he came to one Of no great length, con-
tanning Il block of thrce-story, respectable
looking houses, which might be occupied
by persons in middng circumstances.
This street was not lighted, and appeared
deserted, So that when he stopped before
ono Of the dwellings hc WAS not perceived.
lie knocked at the deor, and Il wOman's
head appeared at tho second-story window
Won't you give me something to cat
ma am I'm nearly starved ~ said the i'd
lot.
Yes, poor feilew.' replied the woman
in kindly tone i'll a minute / will hand
you soneihing.'
soon after lower shutter was push d
Il little back, and hand, containing some
bread and meat, was thrust out.
Mother = said a low voice.
Gracious heaven > exclaimed the ie-
male within, in an agitGted tone.
Hush ! returned the beggar, in a guard
ed whisper.
In moment after the door was thrown
open.
Yes. 'am-thank you'll don't care if
1 do, said the bccrar, as if in roply TO an
invitation TO come in. nj the same time
CROSSING The thrcshnld. with an opuraroncn
Of dcep humility.
The moment the door closed behind him.
the man dropped his crutch and threw his
arms around the other, fairly sobbing.
Mother dear, dear mother J"
, William = exclaimed the Other, press
oh. my dear. dear William what is the
meaning of this d? and how is it | lind vou
here in this sad plight?'
L have passed the British lines in this
disguise, playing the fool to the sentrcs.
But tell me how you are, dear mother and
how you fare in these troublOus times p
lnditiGrently well, my son. The British
are our masters here, but 50 far l have lit
tie to complain Of in the way Of personal
treatment. Provisions are scarce and high
and only by the strctcst economy shall
be able to live through, if they continue to
retain possession Of The city any considera-
bic length Of time. Your sister Mary is at
your Uncle's i'll Delaware, and will deeply
regret that she has missed this opportuni-
ty.'
And are you all alone, mother p
No, two English gentlemen are board
ing with me-
Do they belong to the army?' inquired
the young man, quickly and uncaSiiy and
arc they now in the house p
No, they appear to be private gentle
men of some means, and neither of them is
within at present. But you look troubled
have you anything to fear, my son =
If detected, may be hung rs a spy
Good heavens !! exclaimed the mother,
in alarm; you territy me- Are you here
without permission without a pass y
Yes did not say played the fool to
the Sehtrles' ana SO got past them =
buI l lhought that was iof your own
amusement Oh, W IMAM, IL you should
% discovered! why ana you venture III
TINS desperate manner "
eoulu not Sct a pass, anu was so
ANXIOUS TO see you ana Mary that resolv'
eu 10 fIsA al
Qulck, lheh, come up stars, let us iN
place at once, before anything happens ?
BON haslehed up stairs to the third sto-
ry, ana, allcr considering several places,
decided mat the loil close under the root
might be the best Tor the concealment, rs
The trap door leading to 1t could be iaslen,