Middlebury register. (Middlebury, Vt.) 1886-1937, 1903-12-04

made haste along the narrow streets in
the northern part of the towr If apy
person had been looking out through
the little holes called windows in those
silent and rayless huts it would have
been easy to recognize NJ. Roussilon by
his stature and his gait, dimly outlined
as he was. a thought which seemed to
him an inspiration of genius had taken
posscssi On of him and was leading him
as If by the nose straight away to Ham
iton's lines. He was freighted with ell
Oquence for the ear of that commander,
and as he strobe along facing the crisp
morning air he was rehearsng under
his breath, emphasizing his periods in
tragic whispers with sweeping gestures
and liberal facial contortions. SO alb
sorbed was he in his oratorical solilo-
guy that he forgot due military precau-
ton and ran plump into the face of
savage picket guard who, without re-
spect for the great NJ. Roussillon's dig
nifty. sprang up before him, grunted
enormously, flOurished tomahawk
and spoke in excellent and exceedingly
cultural Indian:
'Wah. surrender!''
1t is probable that no man ever COM
piled with modest request in a more
docile spirit than did NJ. Roussillon
upon that occasion. In fact. his
promptness must have been admirable,
for the savage grunted approval and
straightway conducted him to Hamil-
tons headquarters on batteau in the
river.
The British commander, a hale man
of sandy complexion and probably I'M
der middle age, was in no very pleas
ant humor. Some of his orders had
been misunderstood by the chief of his
Indiap allies, so that a premature ex-
posture of his approach had been made
to the enemy.
"Well, sir, who are you?" he gruffly
demanded when NJ. Roussillon doomed
before him.
81 am Gaspard Roussillon, the mayor
of Vincennes," was the lofty reply. 81
have come to- announce to you officially
that my people greet you Loyalty and
that my town is freely at your COM
mand." sHe felt as important as if his
statements had been true.
"Humph. That's it, is it? Well,
Mr.. Mayor, you have my congratulate
TONS but l should prefer seeing the
military commander and accepting his
surrender. What account can you give
me of the American forces, their num-
Der and condition.
NJ. Roussillon WINGED, inwardly at
least, under Hamiton's very undefer-
entail air and style of address. 1t
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
ly would not confide in me, NJ. lie Gou-
verneur; not at all. We are not very
friendly. He ousted me from office
he offended me- He was coughing
and stammering.
ooh, thunder! What do care? An
swer my questions, sir!' Hamilton
gruffly interrupted Tell me the mum
Der of American troops at the fort
sir"
81 don't know exactly. l have not
had admittance to the fort l might be
deceived as to numbers. But they're
strong. l believe, Nj. lie GOuverneur
at least they make great show and
much noise"
Hamilton eyed the huge bulk before
him for a 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 at once"
The interview thereupOn closed alb
ruptly. Hamilton's emissaries had Civ
en- him detailed account of NJ. Rous
sillon's share in submitting Vincennes
to rebel dominion, and he was not in
the least inclined toward treating hin
graciOusly.
II would suggest to you, NJ. lie Gou
verneur, that my official position de
mands'- NJ. 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 finger or toe.
Hamilton smiled coldly and turned
dy young officer who in canoe had
just rowed alongside the batteau.
Captain Farnsworth" he said, ac
knOwledging the military salute, you
will take fifty men and make every
thing ready for a reconnaissance in the
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 the fort and made hurried
call upon Alice at Roussillon place
There was not much they could say to
each other during the few moments al
command. Alice showed very little
excitement Her past experience had
fortified her against the alarms of
frontier life But she understood and