The Windham County reformer. (Battleboro, Vt.) 1876-1897, 1896-04-24

Ill appearance us lHey lelSuTely eau
t along up the ascending road, with OF
casional glances back towards tn
4 woods, that left Dunning and his con
1 panion wholly IN doubt, while a
tempting to decide who or what the
/ were.
NOW who knows" said the war;
Q hunter, but they may be der tory spies
< hanging round the skirts of Stark
5 army, and intending soon to be O
cross lots to the British to report hi
| progress. I'll ditter banter them
| little, at all hazard before we let 'er
pass.
| But as the strangers drew near
their appearance grew less and les
like that of ordinary footpads ia
whom they had been taken: and Their
was something in their bearing whic
considerably shook, though it did no
wholly alter the hunters Intention t
banter them. One was roughly -buil
broad chested man, with high head
hardy brown features and counte
nance betokening much cool energ
and decision of character. The othe
was rather less stocky, and slight
taller, of quicker motions but witha
a prompt, resolute looking person.
"Well. my friends, " said the forme
company pausing before the expectan
Rangers with an air that seemed t.
challenge conversation, "this is COT
fms tavern here ahead, | suppose
Will the captain be pleased, thinK v,
to see little company about this
timer
der yes, y replied Dunning, eyeins
I,l
doubtful and half quizzing expression
Yes, If of the right sort, he won
ditter cry, | reckon. But the captain
is sometimes rather particular--fo
instance, if you should happen to b,
tories
Tories--do we look like tories?" de
manded the former glancing to hi.
companion with droll, surprised look
Why der no." replied the hunter,
little abashed, "ditter think not
Well, | had hoped not, - rejoineo
the man. but who are you, my
friend-one of the Green Mounta Boys
| that we hear so much about?'
| "Not far from the mark, sergeant,
or commissary or whatever your ditter
title: for you belong to the army that's
at hand, | take lt?'' said Dunning.
80, yes briskly returned the
other, again looking at his companion,
and joining him in merry laugh.
"Yes, | am one of them, and mean to
have hand in stringing up Burgoyne,
when we reach him, | assure you.
That's right, commissary'' ex-
claimed Dunning. You are der chap.
of some pluck, I'll warrant you. what
shall | call your name. friend?"
MY name is John Stark a. if you
will allow" replied the stranger with
an anus d look.
"John Stark? why that's your der
generals name.' said the hunter. in
credulously. 9Come, come, friend,
you are ditter cumming me. | have
seen John Stark-Captain Stark, that
was then, now general-the same that
was bought back by our folks for a
white pony-ditter dog cheap too, as
the British will find, before ~ he is
done it them, or | mistake the amount
of fight that's in the critter amazing
ly"
"Thank you, sir. heartily exclaimed
the former, now evidently as much
gratified as amazed at what he heard.
I'm behalf of that same John Stark,
| thank you, sir for your good opinion
of him. But where, my good fellow, !"
he continued, with look of lively
interest, 'where did you ever fall in
with Captain Stark"
"Why in the old war, when the der
marched through here with Colonel
Hawk, | ditter acted as the colonel's
guide over the mountains TO Otter
Creek. Stark as I've said was one of
the captains, though | wasn't much
with him to be sure" replied the
hunter, becoming more doubtful and
puzzled every moment, the turn mat
tiers were taking.
"Ah yes, yes, our hunter guide
on that rough march, remember
now. Well, we'll the fault is not
wholly on one side after all, " said the
other musingly.
Der-der-ditter how? der-ditter
- began Dunning opening his eyes
with an uneasy stare.
"Tbis is general Stark, my boys"
quickly interposed the other gentle
man. 81 see by your badges that you
belong to the Rangers. l am your
colonel Herrick, add this the general
himself who by the way of relief from
long ride in the saddle threw off his
uniform, like myself, down in the
woods yonder, and walked on while
the troops were hating to refresh
moment, and recover from the effects
of their march in this scalding heat,
before they made their appearance at
your rendezvous They will now be
on the move shortly"
Der-der- ditter--,' cried the con
fused hunter, rising hurriedly to his
feet and lifting his cap in tremor
of respectful depreciation, before the
general, while his tongue began to
trip and fly in the vain attempt to
get out an apology" der-der-ditter
-ditter-diter-"
Never mind, my brave fellow" ex
claimed Stark, with Hearty slap on
the others shoulder; never mind a
SO naturally growing out of
our unmilitary guise. No offence,
even had your remarks been less pleas
ant. But you, sir why you played me
che greatest compliment L ever had IN
my lifer'
'No-no offence TO either of us"
added Herrick. But yonder come the
columns of our friends and helpers
from New Hampshire. IL you are
here TO give notice of their approach,
as suppose make the signal, and back
TO your post. And, here, general, he
pointing to two fine looking
and gayly caparisoned horses now led
by walters. with the coats, swords,
sashes, and great military cooked hats
of the denuded officers swinging on
their arms-''here, general, come our
horses and uniforms. Let us rig up