The Monitor-register., 1897-01-29
A LITTLE FIFER.

farm clad in homespun and home made
clothing, feeding calves, driving COWS,
and doing whatever his hands found to
do "with his might"
On Saturday night John was early at
the gate waiting for his fathers home
coming, for Saturday was the day John
Holden went to the village and returned
laden with packages and news from Bos.
ton-whieh to them was the center of the
world. A present was an unheard of
thing in little Johns life. What was his
surprise, then, IS his father rode I'D to
the gate, to see him hand out long black
case, saying:
"Here, my boy, see what have
brought you for birthday present."
And imagine his greater astonishment
on opening the case to see beautiful fife
of dark wood with silver trimmings!
The boy could hardly believe his own
eyes; and as he was passionately fond of
music he lost no time in beginning to
learn the use of his newly -scquired in
strument.
Just before the Revolutionary war the
whole country was 10 state of ferment
and dread. War seemed inev table. the
oppressive rule of the English was the
theme of conversation everywhere.
Little John heard much of it, and
longed to be man that he might join
the "rebellious colonists" And one day
he received compliment which set him
to thinking of matters in way the older
members Of his family never mistrusted.
A visitor from Boston was at the farm.
house, and the talk as usual ran on thu
prospect of war in the colonies. During
pause In the conversation, Mr.. Holden
asked John to play something on the fife.
When he had plAyed'a stirring march or
two, the stranger exclaimed: "Upon my
wordl But the boy has the soul of music
in him! He will be ready for the British
bulls and lions when 1t is necessary
John sat still for some time. But
before the visitor departed he went to
his father and said: Father If the
British do come shall l go to the war
with my fife2"
Long after his father had forgotten this
incident, John Holden took his dog, Zip,
and his darling fifs and went to favorite
hill on the place to practice. At night
the dog came back alone, and going
straight up to the boys chamber began
to moan and cry, and would not leave
Johns bed
The family we're greatly alarmed, and
instantly divined that something had
happened to John.
Soon the whole town was 10 commo-
tion, for the news that John Holden was
lost few like wildfre. Bands of men
organized and went searching in the
woods in every direction; but no clue was
obtained to throw the faintest glimmer
of light on the strange disappearance.
Everybody believed him to be dead or
with the cruel Indians. Every body but
one. The boys mother never lost faith
in his being safe somewhere.
''My boy is in Gods hand" she would
say. SIN His good time he will come
home."
And nothing more could move her from
this belief while two anxious years
slipped by.
10 the meantime the war had broken
out and Shirley had sent her full quota
of men to fight for the country's indepsa-
dencs. 1t was through one of these that
a rumor reached Mr.. Holden that q boy
of twelve was in Washington's army as
fifer.
John Holden was impressed with the
certainty that the boy in Washington's
army and the lost boy were the same. He
went home and told his wife the story
and she was sure of it. Accordingly, Mr..
Holden started for New York, where
General Washington and his army we're
then stationed. There were no railroads
or telegraphs then, remember; nothing
but horses or stage coaches. The best he
could do by travelling on horseback was
to reach General Washington's head
quarters in seven days.
General Knox received the Massachu.
sett's farmer with q cordiality that put
him at ease In moment; and Mr.. Holden
found no difficulty in stating his errand.
"That is your boy, sirP' exclaimed the
interested general, pointing to a young
fellow in soldiers suit, gay with brass
buttons. who was playing on fife. ''He
is drilling some raw recruits. That boy
is captain general of us all, sir. I have
never known him to whimper or say 4
oan't,' although he is the youngest of
us"
The fifer was sent out for in the
colonel's name. AS he drew near and,
lifting his cap, asked, "Did You send for
me, sir ?" his eyes lit on his father sitting
in the corner of the tent.
In moment the child was in his
fathers arms and sobbing like baby.
The fathers tears mingled with the long
lost sons, and the redoutable general
was obliged to resort to his handkerchief
as he Withdrew.
After the father and son had had
short visit General Knox returned to con.
duct them to the headquarters Of the
commander in chief. General Washing
ton received Mr.. Holden kindly, and said
smiling:
II hear story that sounds like 70.
nance In the midst of war. Tell me, my
little fifer, how you came to leave your
parents without their knowledge and join
my army at such tender ages You
never ran away, did youP"
''No. sir, never" answered John, with
spirit. Il was playing with my dog, Zip,
on Sorrell hill, whan wagon full of men
came along. They stopped when they
saw me, and one of them called out,
'Hullo, my little fifer! we are looking for
you. Jump in.' l asked them If the
British bulls and lions were here and they
said, yes. hurry up!' jumped in, and
that's the way it happened"
Mr.. Holden remembered for the first
time what be had said long ago when
John asked him if he would be needed
when the British bulls and lions appeared
Johns story was met by q burst of
laughter quite unusual with Washington.
Then patting the boys rosy cheeks, the
general said: "After this you must give
us some music, my lad"
And John, quite elated, rendered stir
ring marOh