The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-16
CHAPTER XIII.
PROBLEM 3.


to me always as the first and only time
when 1 became a play actor and took on
myself to play role. The air had that
cool, crisp feeling that tells us winter has
begun 10 put in his finger and that soon
we shall have snow IT was by far too cold
al O'Clock TO be out in the open air-at
least, so thought the ferryman at Gowans
Ferry, as he betook him to the shore upon
the west bank Of the river to see TO his
boat. He was but partially awake; for, be
IL said under four eyes, he had not betaken
himself to his rest the night before at
seasonable hour, and, consequently, he had
slept late, which is but natural, and no
doubt occurs anywhere. whether the sleep
er be ferryman at Gowan's Ferry or
King Of England. or. for that matter, any
one who, being human, has regard for
natures sweet restorer.
The ferryman, upon finding his boat in
readiness for whatever emergency, cast
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 Sleep
ing late on this chilly morning-the ferry
man. 1 say, having allowed himself this
course of reasoning in less time than II
takes to write it here. was in the act of
turning towards his small house with the
prospect of a short nap between the sheets
he had left coy and warm, when he be-
came aware of the approach of a middle
aged gentleman. Twas evident even to the
diluted wits of the ferryman that his fer
vent prayer had not been answered. And
furthermore he realized but too well that
the gentleman. reasonably well TO do,
mounted on his sleek. substantial horse,
showed unmistakable signs of an inten-
ton 70 cross the Hudson. Now this being
neither agreeable nor yet amusing to the
ferryman. he became the instant filled
with unreasoning spleen, though In reality
he was of the most even and kindly dispo-
sition
The wel-to-do middle-aged gentleman
on the substantial cob, you must know,
was none other than Mr.. Argyle Bartlett.
Mr.. Bartlett was evidently from Boston,
for there was that about him which told
of the New Highlander; and then, as now,
most MISUNDERSTANDING middle-aged gen.
tlemen Of New England birth hailed origi-
nally from Boston. There was however.
though scrupulously clean. was of some
what ancient pattern, that suggested that
Mr. Bartlett might possibly have come
from a town somewhat nearer the back
woods than Boston. Mr.. Bartlett appeared
to be, in other words nothing more nor
less than a merchant of New England,
who, having set aside some profits from
his business year by year, seemed now
wandered somewhat far from his household
gods and in no very fortunate season. And,
though the ferryman did not know him
from Father Adam, or from me, for that
matter, he realized that he must row him
across. AS the traveller approached, the
ferryman perceived that he had pistols in
his saddle holster and that he wore a
sword. That again went 10 show that Mr..
Argyle Bartlett was shrewd as he was
scrupulously clean, thereby exhibiting two
qualities that marked him as New Eng
lander I'm such times he had evidently
said to himself, Tin such times it is wise
to go prepared for anything" Consequent
ly he went armed
my good man." said Bartlett. pulling up
his horse at the landing, II 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 merely
motioned towards the ferry and moved
over to it himself They were soon out on
the river and shortly touched the eastern
bank
About noon Mr.. Argyle Bartlett came up
with the Verplancks pickets, and present
ing his passes was taken into Colonel Liv
ingstones presence by the corporal Of the
guard. He explained his desire TO be al
lowed TO go on. stating that he was ex-
tremely pleased TO be within American SOL
diers protection. as he had had an uneasy
time for the last five days. He carried a
note from the officer in command OF the
American forces at Philadelphia, notifying
all whom it might concern that he was Mr..
Argyle Bartlett, merchant of Boston, and
on his way home.
Strangers.-such strangers as one might
talk with-were few enough in that camp.
and hence, after a short conversation as
to the condition of affairs in Philadelphia
the colonel was delighted to grant his re-
quest TO be allowed to stay and have din
ner with the officers AT this moment, in
deed the mess room began to fill
Curtis and Acton, with three or four
others, soon entered, and the conversation
became general. though somewhat guarded
for these men had learned by long expert
ence not 10 trust wholly even their own
families.
AS it CHANGED, Acton sat beside Mr.. Bart
lett. and they were soon talking over the
South.
81 knew an Acton of Virginia, in James
town, long ago" said Mr.. Bartlett "a fine,
tall man. But. let me see he must be sixty
-sixty-six at least now"
Eyes. there are several branches Of the
family there and 1 had two uncles who
would be that age"
AYE, TO be sure" said Mr.. Bartlett
What was Actions first name now-John?
Nay. nay. that was not it,"
WAS it Edward?"
Yes, yes-Edward. Indeed so twas.
Ted we called him"
Yes. he was. I know. always called
Ted"
And how is he now?''
Actions face saddened. He died three
years ago of the fever"
You do not tell me SOL cried Mr.. Bart
lett, leaning towards Acton. with that
sympathy that told OF his real feelings
No one but Curtis noticed anything beyond
the ordinary in this. No eyes but the lieu
tenants caught a quick movement-not
even those Of Acton himself.