The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1894-02-16
hup, eff he hain't gone stark mad.

hup, ef ne haln't gone stark mad. Dot
vas air.
Meanwhile John rode on, without =
halt. till he reached the American
camp. He~inquired of a sentinel for
Washington's headquarters, and an
orderly was dispatched to conduct him
to the Potts house
That was two miles further on. and
it 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 at that majestic presence, with the
grave, worn, anxious face. before he
could answer. He 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:
ALIAS! who would have thought it?
Whom shall we trust?"
He asked John a 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-
tancc ana value. Probably your
thoughtful action has been the means
of saving my life and perhaps the liber-
ties of the colonies. What can do for
you?"
Make me a soldier" was Johns
answer. as he thong hit of his one ambi-
tion.
The pater patria looked gravely at
the slender boyish figure and earnest
face Of the speaker, but did not smile.
You are hardly old enough for the
rough life of a soldier. but l would like
you to care for nv horses l need
boy for that. VIII you Gomez"
If uncle and aunt will only let me-"
replied John. so pleased that he could
scarcely refrain from turning a 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
couple of gold pieces John thanked
him as 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
might have befallen our country if it
had not been for your fortunate dis
covery and intelligent action. / was
going TO visit that mans house to-
night, and he, like Judas, had bar
gained to betray me to my enemies for
a few paltry pieces of silver and gold.
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 at his
protracted absence.
John explained this satisfactorily. |
and there never was man more sur
prised than was Squire Holton when !
his nephew related all the adventures
of the day. The next morning he ac-
the lad to Washington's |
and saw him enter upon |
his new duties.
Before the war was over. John Rus |
sell was 4 bona fide soldier. lie did |
good service at Yorktown. and won the |
of Washington for dash |
and courage In after years he be- |
came Virginia planter, and was a
welcome visitor at Mt. Vernon as long |
as Washington lived. The 22d day of
February was always observed by him
with peculiar solemnity and good |
NJ Colby, in Golden Days. |