The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1897-10-07
JOHNS HUMMING BIRDS.
BY WILLIAM \. BABC0Ck.
copyright. 1871
THIS is bit Of legend il one mus,
lCopyright. 1871

use such formidable word-that
they tell along the shores of Chesapeake
bay. 1t has to do with patriotic Mary
land boy and his lively allies-and the
way they routed British vessel of
war with its officers and crcy
That was during the most doleful
part of the war of 1912, when such Wis
itors were far too common in our water
ways, though often worsted at sea.
John Duhamel, a bayside boy of the
eastern shore, had heard and seen
somewhat of the enemy's doings; he
also had turned out early one morning
with an old shotgun and the militia
to head of an intended raid on the
county town. 1t was success in the
way of resistance, and made him feel
proud and warlike. So he had con-
tinucd awhile in service, and on the
evening of our tale was patrolling very
Nearisomcly what is known as Town
point beach. 1t had its name from an
old settlement Of the Indians, long van
ished except few shell-hcaps and ar
rowheads.
y nile or two inland lay the camp of
the American farmer-soldiers, merry in
mood and Il little mixed in discipline,
quite ready to fight again. but inno-
GENTLY open to surprise.
John knew the importance of his post,
but he could not look with favor on an
intcrmnable parade with nobody in
sight. His mind would wander.
So John halted beyond chinguapin
bush near the favored spot, covering
down until he fairly hugged the ground
il the intensity of his vigil. 1t was very
still about him, with the twilight deep
ening. At first, indeed, there was some
rnurmurous activity in the hornets
nest, larger than half a bushel, which
hung from Il jutting bough half way up
the ascent. But with the chill of the
night this gradually subsided; and
grievous to relate, in very few minutes
our young sentry was sleeping.
That was pity; for he had the great
est need to be wide awake. Through
the faint moonlight, one of the lesser
British war sloops was at that very
moment slowly approaching. More men
than rightly belonged there, were
packed on board. for their errand was
one of surprise. and midnight fighting
would follow. The craft could not
stand close in, but lowered boat in mid
channel. Halfway over, the CLINT of
moonbeam on John Duhamel's gun
barrel made them pause-it looked so
like an ambush; but the oars dipped
again. warily, and in few moments
the slumberer was surrounded.
Then they understood, and laughed.
The officer in command stood looking
down on the lad, who had been alto
gether too well fed and trained all his
days not to make II comely picture, \
1t is said that gazing steadily on
person will waken him. John rose,
quite. suddenly, on his elbow. and
groped about for his gun. Then, as he
realized what had come to pass. he
dropped back, his heart turning sick.
He thought they would perhaps kill or
torment him; it was n nightmare OF
helpessness.
But whatever might befall, he must
not meet it lying on his back In
moment he was on his feet, with the
life coming back in all his veins.
What are you going to do with me?"
he asked boldly, though shaking within.
The officer joined in the laugh, though
but lightly, and answered with great
good humor:
For helping us? Isn't that rather
question for your own people? Fancy
sleeping on guard. For You will be on
guard surely?"
He meant, of course, you are" This
misuse of the future tense was new to
John.
Il will be an angel, reckon, by the
time you are done with me-" he an
swered. II was watching that otter
slide-and-somehow, 1t came over me-"
He felt his check turn hot. You see
however he might try to face it out, the
performance was not one to be proud
of.
There was amusement in the officers
tone as he inquired:
Where are your shotgun people,
since You are so precise?'
"Iiow do You know there are any?"
I'VE made their acquaintance near
Chcstcrtown the other day. Some of |
our people, mean; wasn't there"
- was, SIR
"Ah-h! Well, you did nicely for be-
snr"rs, my boy. They can't be far
away. Fancy leaving bright young
sentinel all alone in the wilderness like
lost sheep of the house of Israel. But
where are thcy?"
! John paused II minute. "If you were
IN my place would you tell. sir?" he in
qu':ed simply.
TIE young man laughed uneasily.
ne are not sent for information" said
he, but we seem to have got into the
wruuG shop. You must go back with
rs, my boy. Maybe the captain can
male more out of you-he isn't man
TO put up with anything short of an
answer. And yet it's shame. What's
A.. t,,,;II |