Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-12-15

a n Duncan, the lieutenant COM
handing the guard, received me with
unusual courtesy, the reason Of which
! l did not at the time suspect.
! IAN express from Sir William has at
this moment come 1n," said he. "Sir
William is aware that belt bearer
from Virginia awaits him.
How could Sir William, who is at
Castle Cumberland, know that?' be-
gan, then was silent, as it flashed into
my mind that Mistress Molly had sent
an express to Sir William as soon as I
had told her about the strange Cayuga.
That was the galloping horseman /
had heard.
Pondering and perplexed, l looked up
to find Mr.. Duncan smiling at me.
II understand" said he, "that Sir
William is pleased to approve your
conduct touching the strange Cayuga,
and know this, that Sir William has
something for you with me, a pres
ent in fact, which l am to deliver to
you on the morrow
What is it, Mr.. Duncan?" l teased.
But the laughing officer shook his head,
retiring into the guardroom and pre-
tending to be afraid of me.
The soldiers had all risen, taking
their muskets from the racks, straight
ening belts and bandoleers. A drum
mer and trumpeter took station six
PAGES to the right and front; the ser-
geant, at carry, advanced and sa-
Into Io to, 81 d.
/ followed, and now, standing by the
blockhouse gate, far away in the vii
lage heard the rubadub Of drum
and a loud trumpet blowing.
Nearer and nearer came the drum;
the trumpet ceased. and now l could
hear the tramp, tramp, tramp Of in
fantry on the hills black crest.
| Present arms" cried Mr. Duncan
sharply.
A dark mass. which had not sup
posed to be moving, suddenly doomed
up close in front Of US, taking the
shape of long column, which passed
with the flicker of starlight on musket
and belt. tramp. tramp, tramp to the
ringing drumbeats.
Then our drum ratified and trumpet
sang prettily, while Mr.. Duncan rem
dered the officers salute as a dark
stand Of colors passed, borne furled
and high above the slanting muskets.
"'Tention!' said Mr.. Duncan. Sup
port arms! Trail arms! Bout face!
By the right flank, wheel! march,"
Back into the bloclshouse filed the
guard. the drummer bearing his drum
fat on his hip, the trumpeter swinging
his instrument to his shoulder knots.
What troops were those, sir?" I
asked respectfully.
Three companies of Royal Ameri-
cans from Albany" said Mr.. Duncan.
Then, noticing my puzzled face, he
added: 'There is to be big council
fire held here, Master Cardigan. 1t is
the Six Nations gathering. We expect
important guests
What for?' asked.
81 don't know" said Mr.. Duncan
gravely. Good night, Mr.. Cardigan"
Good night, SIR l said thoughtful
ly, then cried after him, and my pres
emit Mr. Duncan?''
tomorrow he answered and pass
ed on his way a-laughing, and walked
quickly back to the Hall.
If Sir William does not return, you
will dine with Felicity alone" said
Aunt Molly to me, land l expect you
to conduct exactly like Sir William, and
refrain from kicking under the table"
Yes, Aunt Molly" said l, delighted.
Silver Heels, with her hair done by
Betty and blue sash over her fresh
Powered cambria. passed me on the
stairs coming down, pausing to wish
Mistress Molly good night.
Have you seen the soldiers, Micky,
and the fires on the hills?' she cried.
Tomorrow all the officers will be here,
and l am to wear my hair curled and
my pink dress and tucker, with sepa-
rate sleeves Of silver gauze. Micky,
50 and put on your silk breeches and