The Van Buren press., 1894-02-17
hup, eff he hain't gone stark mad. Dot


Meanwhile John rode on, without q
halt, till he reached the American
camp. He inquired of q sentinel for
Washington's headquarters, and an
orderly was dispatched to conduc5 him
to the Potts house.
That was two miles further on, and
| 1t was nearly four o'clock when John
and his escort arrived there.
He was ushered by the orderly into
room where three or four officers sat
at a table, one of whom rose and
turned his attention to the newcomer.
"You wanted to see me, my lad?
am the commander in chief"
John gazed for moment with silent
awe Mt that majestic presence, with the
grave, worn. anxious face. before he
could answer. lie then placed in the
generals hand the piece of paper he
had found.
'Read that, SIR" he said.
"Where did you get this?" asked
Washington, after he had read the lines.
John told his story in straightfor-
ward manner that vouched for his hon.
esty, and when he had concluded Wash
ington turned to his officers and said,
sorrowfully:
"Alasl who would have thought. itp
Whom shall we trustP"
He asked John q few more questions
of minor Importance. which were
answered readily, then he said:
my lad, the intelligence you have
brought me is Of the greatest impor-
tance and value. Probably your
thoughtful action has been the means
OF saving my life and perhaps the liber-
ties of the colonies. What con do for
you?"
make me a soldier" was Johns
answer. as he thought of his one ambi-
tion.
The pater patria looked gravely ut
the slender boyish figure and earnest
face of the speaker, but did not smile.
you are hardly old enough for the
rough life OF soldier, but would like
you to care for my horses need u
boy for that. Will you Gomez"
IF uncle and aunt will only let me-"
replied John, so pleased that he could
scarcely refrain from turning somer-
sault even before that august presence.
you may come tomorrow, then,
and here is your salary for the first
quarter"
Washington placed in his hands q
couple Of gold pieces John thanked
him rs well as he was able
"Be assured, my brave boy" said
Washington, as he accompanied him to
the door, that the service you have
this day performed will not be for
gotten. Itremble when think what
might have befallen our country If it
had not been for your fortunate dis
covery and intelligent action. I was
going TO visit that mans house to-
night, and he, like Judas, had bar
gained to betray me to my enemies for
few paltry pieces Of silver and gold.
Washington thanks you now; in the
future he will do more"
And he bowed him out of the door.
1t was quite dark when John re-
turned to the mill, where the wonder
ing Hans was waiting for him, Before
he was half way home he met the
squire, who had become anxious ut his
protracted absence.
John explained this satisfactorily,
and there never was man moro sur
prised than was Squire Holton when
his nephew related all the adventures
of the day. The next morning he &C.
companied the lad to Washington's
headquarters, and saw him enter upon
his new duties.
Before the war was over, John Rus
sell was bona fide soldier. He did
good service at Yorktown, and won the
commentator of Washington for dash
and courage. In after years he be-
came Virginia planter, and was
welcome visitor at Mt. Vernon as long
Us Washington lived. The ED day of
February was always observed by him
with peculiar solemnity and good
cheer.--Fred M. Colby, in Golden Days