The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-07-06
CHAPTER XII.

lWaS une cola morning that udWHeu after my interview with the Commander in-chief, | morning that will be mem- orable to me always as the first and only time when I became a play actor and took on myself to play q role. The air had that cool, crisp feeling that tells us winter has begun to put in his finger and that soon we shall have snow. It was by far too cold at o'clock to be out in the open air-at least so thought tho ferryman at Gowans Ferry, as he betook him to the shore upon the west bank of the river to see his boat He was but partially awake; for, be it said under four eyes, he had not betaken him. self to his rest the night before at a seasonable hour and consequently he had slept late, which Is but natural, and no doubt occurs anywhere whether the sleeper be a ferryman at Gowans Ferry or King of England, or for that mat ter, any one who being human has re- gard for natures sweet restorer.
 The ferryman. upon finding his boat in readiness for whatever emergency, cast a glance over the dark, cold waters of the Hudson, rubbed first one ear and then the other, and, recording a silent hope that all others in that vicinity might have been up late the night before and therefore sleeping late on this chilly morning-the ferryman. I say, having allowed himself this course of reasoning in less time than 1t takes to write 1t here, was in the act of turning towards his small house with the prospect of a short nap between the sheets he had left cozy anl warm, when he became aware of flo oOh of a mil A - man. TT was evident even to the di- luted wits of the ferryman that his Ter vent prayer had not been answered. And furthermore he realized but too well that the gentleman, reasonably well-to-oo' mounted on his sleek, substantial horse, showed unmistakable signs Of an lnleh- tion to cross the Hudson. Now this De- ing neither agreeable nor yet amusing ! to the ferryman, he became on the ln- | stant filled with unreasonlng spleeh | enough in reality he was of the most eY,l and kindly disposition.
 The well-to-do middle-aged gentleman on the substantial cob, you must know was none other than MT. Argyle Bart lett. MT. Bartlett was evidently from Boston, for therc was that about him which told of the New Englander; and then, as now, most substantial middle aged gentlemen of New England birth hailed originally from Boston. Ihere was, however, something about the cut of his coat, which, though scrupulously clean, was of a somewhat ancient pat tern, that suggested that MT. Bartlett might possibly have come from town somewhat nearer the baekWoods lhah Boston MT. Bartlett appeared to De, III other words nothing more nor less thah merchant of New England, Wno nav ing set aside some profits rom ms ousi- ness year by year. seemed now wander 1 ed somewhat far from his household gods Fand in no very fortunate season. Ana, though the ferryman did not know nm from Father Adam, or from me, TOT that matter he realized that he must TOW him across As the traveller approacheu' the traveller perceived that he had plstols in his saddle-holster and he wore sword, That again went to snow that MT. Argyle Bartlett was as shrewd as he was scrupulously clean, thereby eX- hibiting two qualities that marked nm as a New Englander. Tn such times he had evidently said to himself, m such times it is wise to go prepared TOT anything" Consequently he went armed.
 My good man." said MT. Bart.ett, pull ing up his horse at the landing, l would cross to the other side. l am fortunate to find you at your boat.
 The ferryman, still bearing in mind the warm sheets, grew upon the instant even more untrue to his better self He mere
  over to it himself. They were soon out on the river and shortly touched the eastern bank.
 About noon MT Argyle Bartlett came up with the Verplancks pickets. and pre- senting his passes was taken into Colo- mel Livingstones presence by the cor moral of the guard. He explained his de- sire to he allowed to go on, stating that he was extremely pleased to be within American soldiers protection, as he had an uneasy time for the last nve days. He carried a note from the officer Tn command of the American forces at Philadelphia, notifying all whom 1t might concern that he was MT. Argyle Bartlett, merchant of Boston, and on his way home.
 Strangers-such strangers as one might talk with-were few enough in the camp. and hence, after short conversation as to the condition of affairs In Philadel- phia, the Colonel was delighted to grant his request to be allowed to stay and have dinner with the officers. At this moment indeed, the mess room began to fill.
 Curtis and Acton, with three or four others soon entered and the conversa- ton became general, though somewhat guarded; for these men had learned by long experience not to trust wholly even their own families.
 As 1t chanced, Acton sat beside Mir Bartlett and they were soon talking over the South.
 q knew an Acton of Virginia, in Jamestown, long ago." said MT. Bartlett "a fine, tall man. But, let me see. he must be sixty-sixty-six at least now"
 'ves,. there are several branches of the family there, and I had two uncles who
 ould be that age."
 Aye, to be sure' said MT. Bartlett What was Acton's first name now John? Nay, nay, that was not it. Was it Edward?'
 "Yes, yes-Edward. Indeed so twas Ted we called him.
 Ted" '"
 And how Is he now?"
 Acton's face saddened. "He died three years ago of the fever"
 You do not tell me soi cried MT. Bartlett, leaning towards Acton, with that sympathy that told of his real feel thing beyond the ordinary in this. No movement-not even those of Acton him self
 Then sitting back In his chair, MT seemed to be recalling the old times they two. Ted and he. had had together.
 "Yes yes," he continued. shaking his head sadly. Iris sad news to hear it. knew him well. We had many a hunt, he and l. in the old days, and more than one scramble to turn the Indians off the Oh. my hOnev. ~,<-cSa<