Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1897-07-30
copyright. 1871


.bev tell along the shores of Chesapeake
bay. It has to do with patriotic Mary
land boy and his lively allies-and the
vay they routed British vessel of
war with it's officers and crew.
That was during the most doleful
mart of the war of 1872, when such Wis
TORS were far too common in our water
ways, though often worsted at sea.
John Duhamel, 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
70 head off an intended raid on the
county town. 1t was success in the
wav of resistance, and made him feel
proud and warlike. So he had con-
tinued awhile in service, and on the
evening of our tale was patrolling very
weariso1nely what is known as Town
noint beach. It had it's name from an
old settlement of the Indians, long van
ished except a few shell-heaps and ar
rowbeads.
A mile or two inland lay the camp of
the American farmer-soldiers, merry in
mood and little mixed in discipline,
quite ready to fight again, but limo
Gently open to surprise.
John knew the Importance of his post,
but he could not look with favor on an
interminable parade with nobody in
sight. His mind would wander.
So John halted beyond chinguapin
bush near the favored spot, covering
down until he fairly Rugged the ground
in the intensity of his vigil. 1t was very
still about him, with the twilight deep
ening. At first, indeed, there was some
murmurous activity in the hornets
nest, larger than half bushel, which
hung from jutting bough half way up
the ascent. But with the chill of the
night this gradually subsidized; and
grievous to relate, in a very few minutes
our young sentry was sleeping.
That was a 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
a moonbeam on John Duhamers 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 we'll fed and trained all his
days not to make IL comely picture.
But whatever ght 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 Oh
guard surelv?''
He meant, of course, you are This
misuse of The future tense was new to
John.
Il VIII be an angel, reckon, by the
time you are done with me" he an
swered. II was watching that otter
lide-and-somehow,i it 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?''
How do you know there are any"
I'VE made their acquaintance near
Chestertown the other day. Some OF
on" people, mean; wasn't there"
i was, sir" -.,..
"Ah-h! Well, you did nicely for be-
ginners, my boy. They can't be far
away Fancy leaving a bright young
sentinel all alone in the wilderness like
lost sheep of the house of Israel. But
where are they?'
John paused minute. IF you were
IN my place would you tell, sir?' he in
4ulreu simply.
The young man laughed uneaslly.
We are not sent for information said
ne, but we seem to have got into the
wrong shop. You must go back with
US, my boy. Maybe the captain can
make more out of you-he isn't man
TO put up with anything short OF an
answer. And yet it's a shame. What's
that about an otter slide? What will an
otter-slide?'
He asked these questions musingty.
John was very willing to enter on
harmless topic, and more than willing
TO delay his departure. Dreadful recol-
1ections rose in his mind of British
prison ships, and he was in some terror
OF that dimly-hinted captain. Maybe
they would insist on making an angel of
him, after all.
SO he explained and expatiated, pour
!, ELL rs ~