Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1903-12-15

mlilIary COMMANDER ana accepting Ms
surrender. What account can you give
me of the American forces, their num-
Der and condition."
NJ. Roussillon WINGED, inwardly al
least, under Hamilton's very undefer'
entail air and style Of address. II
piqued him cruelty to be treated as a
person without the slightest claim to
respect. He somehow forgot the roll
ing and rhythmic eloquence prepared
for the occasion.
"The American commander natural
IL would not confide in me, NJ. le Gou
verneur; not ut all. We are not very
friendly. He ousted me from office
he offended me- He was coughing
and stammering.
"Oh, thunder! What do care? An
swer my questions, sir" Hamilton
gruffiy interrupted. "Tell me the mum
ber Of American troops at the fort
sir"
81 don't know exactly. / have moi
had admittance to the fort. / might be
deceived as to numbers. But they're
strong. I believe, NJ. le GOuverneur
Mt least they make great show and
much noise"
Hamilton eyed the huge bulk before
him for moment, then, turning to !;
subaltern. said:
"Place this fellow under guard and
see that he doesn't get away. Send
word Immediately to Captain Farms
worth that wish to see him ut once
The interview thereupOn closed alb
ruptly. Hamilton's emissaries had Civ
on him detailed account of NJ. ROus
sillon's share in submitting Nincennes
TO rebel dominion, and he was not IL
the least inclined toward treating him
graciously.
II would suggest to you, NJ. le Gou
verneur, that my official position de
mands"- VI. Roussillon began. But
he was fastened upon by two guards
who roughly hustled him aft and
bound him so rigidly that he could
scarcely move UllSeC VI tOc'
Hamilton smiled coldly and turned
to give some orders to stalwart, rud
dy young officer who in canoe had
lust rowed alongside the batteau.
Captain Farnsworth," lie said. ac
knowledging the military salute. 'yor
will take fifty men and make every
thing ready for reconnaissance in th'
direction of the fort. We will move
down the river Immediately and choose
place to land. Move lively. We have
no time to lose"
In the meantime Beverley slipped
away from lie fort and made hurried
call upon alice at ROussillon place
There was lot much they could say tC
each other during the few moments al
command. Alice showed very littl,
excitement. Her past experience had
fortified her against the alarms OF
frontier life. But she understood and
perfectly appreciated the situation.
What are you going to do:' Bever
ley demanded in sheer despair. He was
not able to see any gleam of hope out
Of the blackness which had fallen
around him and into his soul.
What shall you do:' he repeated.
Take the chances Of war" she said
smiling gravely 1T will all come out
well, no doubt"
81 hope so, but-but l fear not"
His face was gray with trouble
"Helm is determined to fight and that
means
"Goodw she interrupted. with spirit
81 am so glad of that. | wish could
so to help him. II were Il man I'd
love to fight. think it's just delight
full"
But It is reckless bravado. 1t Is
worse than foolishness,' said Beverley
not feeling her mood. "What can TIVE
or three men do against an army
Eight and die like men," she replied
her whole countenance lighting up
BE heroic"
1--WE will do that. of course. We
do not fear death. but you-you'-
His voice chokcd him.
\ gluishot rang ont clear In the dis
tnncc and h. did not finish speaking.
That's p,.bat'y the beginning, he
added in moincnt. extending both
hands TO her. "Goodby. | must hurry
t" the fort Goodby.'
She drew Il quick breath and turned
SO white that her look struck him lik,
a sudden and hard blow. He stood for
q second his arms ut full reach, then:
MY God. Alice, l cannot. clnno'
leave youw he cried. his voice again
breaking huskily.
She made little movement as II to
take hold of his hands, but in IN in
slant she stepped back pace and said
Don't fear about me. | can take
care of myself. I'm all right. You'd
better return to the fort rs quickly as
you can 1t is your country. your flag