The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-07-12

How Grave Little Boy Met The Great
Commander.
770.-Rhea. Hera.
Me-meu-tO

/ n y
| How "A Grsve Little Boy Met The Great
Commander.
Tn the July ST. Nicholas Sara King
| Wiley has q romance OF the American Re
voiution entitled Maurice and His Fa-
| Their" \ brave little English lad is sepa-
rated from his father and falls into the
hands OF the Americans. His father after
wards embraces the patriot cause, and
his son is restored 10 him through the
medium OF washington. as shown in tho
following extract.
Maurice was Informed that General
Washington wss there showing the works
to General Lafayette and his heart began
10 hutter and thump within him.
Barney was sitting beside him. looking
at his master with bright and loving eyes.
his little black nose duivering.
Barney" said the boy. we're afraid
but we're not going 10 stop II We are"
And. picking up the dog. ne took his
way. through the rustling leaves that lay
like heaps Of gold. towards the house
which one OF the soldiers. from whom
Maurice ventured TO ask for directions.
had pointed out "a him.
ayes. General Washington IS there and
alone" be was told.
Could he see him2
sure, no, We little bye" said the Irish
sentry. IT'S wore out the poor gintieman
is. already. and it's mesilf wouldn't bother
with all thin jabbering Frnchmenw
Haurice was desperate.
"Oh, pleaser he said. BEG. Barney:
you beg. too
The little dog sat up at once with
dropping paws.
Sure. me own names Barney. And IS
your dogs name OReilly too?" said the
sentry.
"oh. If he IS your namesake." exclaimed
Maurice. you must let him I'm, on. see.
you can hold him while 90 I'M Maurice
thought no one could resist such an offer.
I'll see" said the soldier. and he step
ped within, and returning said. go on"
Maurice yielded up Barney and stepped
into the hall. went along H. and paused
Just inside An open door He was trem-
bling. A voice said: what IS your err
rand?'-a voice even, grave. and rather
severe
Maurice raised his eyes. Just before the
fireplace stood the great commander: 20
the boys excited thought he seemed even
larger than he was. Washington's hands
were behind his back. his handsome head
bent a little forward.
What is your Grand my lad?" said he
again, with a note Of command in the
tone.
ooh. my father-my father, he said.
Il have been lost from him so very
long,"
Something in the thrilling chnd's voice
something In the piteous and forlorn ex-
preston Of his face went straight 10 the
warm heart that the general carried
beneath his calm exterior. He crossed
the room In quick strides. and LAYING his
hand on the boys shoulder said kindly.
My poor child,
Ihls was too much. Maurice had borne
hraNely the long strain OF waiting the
repeated disappointmonts. but the unev-
pected sympathy broke down his self-pos-
-1l"N- he put his head IN the crook Of
his arm and sobs came fast sobs tina,
shook him from head 10 foot. The oen-
eral drew him aside. sat down I'm an arm
chair' ana taking the little hanging hand
10 both his own. said: There. there ston
CRYING. and tell me an about H."
Maurice choked down his sobs and told
ms story. Al his fathers name the gem
eral rose quickly.
Colonel Terraine's son. why. then.
your father was here a short time ago
he may be up stairs now.'
Maurice forgot even the great chief and
Nfi ais 4Nl the ApNfs BlL washington
caught him by the arm.
My dear boyle does not knOw-I will
co."
Maurice stood stil in the centre OF the
room. and pressed mis- hands hard to-
gether. The general went out, and up
stairs; IL seemed TO Maurice that he step
ped very slowly
Colonel Terraine sat in an upstairs
room writing he laid down his pen and
rose as the General entered.
colonel said Washington. "T have
some wonderful news for You" He paus-
ed. tho officer took step forward and
opened his lips. but did not speak
Come down stairs with me. continued
the general slowly. "and remember as you
90 that passage IN the scriptures. But the
father said. Let Us be merry. for this my
son Colonel Terraine caught the back
or chair -" for this my son went
on the sweet grave voice. " was dead
and is alive again: he was lost and is
found"
Colonel Terralne stood an instant with
vide, questioning eyes. then he rushed
through the doorway and down the stairs.
The general followed him quickly. There
was loud cry as the colonel entered the
room and Maurice sprang into his fathers
arms. General Washington closed the
door and stood guard over IL himself
Barney. having escaped from the soldier
tore In, and the general stopped from his
great height 70 pat the little dog II
Barney had been a man he would have
seen that there were tears IN the bright
B.