The Mason County journal. [volume] (Shelton, W.T.) 1886-1927, 1890-03-14
of happiness


talking to me as he used to talk knew
his voice recognized his old imperious
way | saw that he had not changed As
if he would ever changed
When | had finished and dried nv tears
they begged me to read his letter to them.
my DEAR. DEAR GrRL"-l told them
that could not indeed read all but that
! would read them what could and this
was the beautiful beginning in order that
should know at the outset. so thoupht-
full be was and for fear of my being anx.
ious on the point. that he loved me still
and had never forgotten me NV dear
dear girl-lt is now six years since babe
you farewell at your garden gate and
started upon my journey to London
Your father has doubtless told you how
presented myself and with what kindness
he received me am very sure that You
have not forgotten me and hope that
you will rejoice to hear of my good for
tune" Hope. indeed Could be not be
sure? II have no doubt. also that he
hath Informed you of the strange good
fortune which befell me after he left me
at the East India companys house, of
which ! told him by letter and special
messenger to whom ! gave. to insure
speedy and safe delivery one shilling
But it would appear that this MESSENGER
broke his word and took the shilling but
did nothing for it-a common thief who
deserved to be hanged like many an
other no more wicked than himself Oh
what punishment too great for this breach
of trust. small as it seemed See. now
what world of trouble was caused by
that little theft.) 1T was truly by special
providence that. while Mr. Silvertop
talked with me. the great captain who
won the Battle of Plassy should have
been standing near and should have over
heard what passed When was hidden
go my ways for foolish boy because
did not wish to be writer) and waste his
time no longer. was much cast down, for
now began to fear that must. like the
most OF mankind. take what was assigned
to me by providence rather than what |
should like And could plainly see that
there remained only one choice for me.
namely. | must return to the hated rule
Of my cousin who would keep me as
plowboy as long as he could. or must be
take me to the task of sweeping out and
serving shop And yet. what shop9 But
who would employ me2 Therefore hung
my head and stood irresolute without the
company's house Now presently the
gentleman whom had seen within came
forth with another officer brave in scar
let. He saw me standing sadly beside the
posts. and inspired by that noble gener
osity which has always distinguished this
great man. he clapped his hand upon my
shoulder.
So. he said. you are the lad who
loves sword better than penn
If it please your honor. replied.
"A sword means peril to life and limb,
he said sternly he who goes a fighting in
India must expect hard fate. rough sleep
ing. rude knocks He must be ever on
the watch against treachery He must
meet duplicity with equal cunning He
must obey blindly. he must never ask
why: If he is sent to die like rat in a
hole. he must go without murmur or
question What you think-do your
that to carry a sword is to 6aunt scarlet
coat before the ladies of St James9"
Nay. sir. with respect have read
the lives Of soldiers would Willingly
take the danger for the sake of the honor,
But alasI must stay at home and sweep
a shop
What is thy birth. boyY
al told hin, bat "a
other points. including the reason of my
flight. in which | trust that | was no more
than truthful Then he said
1 am Lord Give. and paused as if to
know whether had heard of him.
You may be sure was astonished. but
quickly dotted my hat and made him my
best country bred bow
My lord. said. we have heard.
even in Northumberland. of Plassy'
'Goodl | went to India as a writer
a miserable quill driving writer Think
of that. What one man has done another
may do Now. boy | sail this day for
India There will be more fighting. a
great deal more fighting If you please
you shall go as cadet with me- But
there is no time to hesitate. sail this
day Choose between the shop sweeping
and the musket. You will fight in the
ranks at first. but if you behave well the
sword will come after Choose-peace
and money scraping at home like these
SNUG faced fat citizens. he swept his
hand with lordly contempt. or fighting
and poverty. and perhaps death abroad.
Choose
=" Il humbly thank your lordship.
said. will follow you if you will conde-
scend to take me-
Then he babe me go straight to Lime
house Pool. where | should find the ship
at anchor | was to take note to the
purser. who would give me an outfit.
Thus. my dear Drusilla, did find my
fortune and sail to foreign parts under as
brave and great captain as this country
will ever see.
Our voyage lasted eleven months.
There were 300 raw recruits on board.
mostly kidnapped or inveigled under false
pretenses by crimps and the scoundrels Of
Mapping When they were first paraded
they were as beggarly looking lot as you
would wish to see-ragged. dirty. mutt
nous and foul mouthed Yet in couple
of months. by daily drill. by good food
and sea air. by moderate rations of rum.
by sound Jogging by the continual dis
cipline of the boatswain's ropes end and
the sergeant's rattan. the regimental sup |
plejack and the ships cato nine tails. |
they became as promising soldiers as one |
would wish. As for me, | stood with |
them in the drill and did my best Of |
course could not expect his lordship to |
notice SO humble a cadet as myself. but |