Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury [Connecticut]) 1903-1917, 1904-03-05

i
I and died commencing their souls to
Jesus and bequeathing torches and
sheep for their funerals. He was a
man every inch of him! He blamed the
kings ministers, but he loved the king.
At the leer Foy gave him some half
rose angrily, but others, OF the lower
sort, seeming what was coming, slyly
winked and smiled behind their palms.
zone could scarce be too severe with
such bloody knave, my lord"
"He should rot in Tyburnv' blazed
the old man.
"Swelp mew cried Foy with a coarse
laugh. "And who, gentlemen, think
you was this hangman's cur, this dirty
factious scoundrel? Why, Colonel
/ Washington. + faith-turncoat since
the French war;
There were murnurs at this from all
sides, even from these Tories, at the
trap that had been set at the wanton
affront to friendship that had been
we'll known throughout the colony
since the days when Lawrence Wash
ington first brought sweet Anne Fair
fax from Belvoir to Mount Vernon.
"Houndy' ground Henry between his
teeth. A cold hand seemed pressed up
OH Annes heart.
The stanch old loyalist's face had
turned a gray white. He half choked,
| and his hand went fumbling to the lace
at his throat He was silent for mo-
| ment, his great brows together, his
fingers on the arm of the chair clasping
! and unclasping, while Foy sneered
audibly in the quiet.
Not Georgew he faltered at length.
! Something almost like dry sob es-
capped him. He seemed not to see the
! sneering face before him, now search
ing about for applause. He turned to
! the company with a gesture appealing
! and pathetic.
''Why, gentlemen" he said - why
I've known him since he was sixteen!
I remember in '4S when he was a
rudy faced boy and ran my lines
| for mel The Wings. have misled him,
i maybe, but he could not>take mp arms
~asainst-his kingv
There was little stir in the place,
a sort Of waiting silence. Then
young man arose in the back part Of
the room and bowed gracefully. It
was NJ. Armand, and he held a slender
stemmed glass, which he filed. ~,
"Messieurs," lie said simply, 81 am
! not of your country, nor am I of the
allegiance Of your king. My country is
one fur away, and 1t is one that has
learned of war to love a soldier and a
brave man."
AS he spoke Henry's face lighted
with great fash Of surprise and
pleasure. He did not see the white
and red changing In his companions
nor the wondrOus beauty that same
softly courtesying in her eyes.
The voice went on: ..r
"But we of my country know one
American so well-we know him be-
cause it is against our own arms that
he has fought, before Duquesne. Mes
lsieurs. pledge YOU a brave man.
Colonel George Washington!'
Armand lifted his glass gravely as
he finished and drank, and a little
hushed cheer ran around the room.
One could not have told from the speak
er's face that he knew he had drunk
alone My Lord Fairfax had no glass,
but he rose in his seat and bowed to
him.
/ The toast drunk, Armand set down
the glass with a clash on to the table.
His face became all at once set and
cold, and he stood very straight.
''One thing more, messieurs," he said,
1--WE know in my country. We know
the courtesy. Our positions know what
fs due to the gentleman Of birth. And
thus'-he turned sharply upon Foy-
10 ne hn Ho,,
nelv' ..
With this he flung the glass full into
his face.
So unexpected had been theaction that
Anne gave a little scream, unnoted in
the stir across the sill, and Henry let
out great oath Of admiration.
f Foy's countenance turned a devils.
and his sword was out before he got up.
Armand bowed to Lord Fairfax and
then to Foy. Monsieur" he asked the
latter, 'is the affront to your liking?'
"'sdeath and woundsw raved Foy
in a fury. 1--WE need go no farther
than here to settle this! l killed man
at Minden for less" d
The old baron get up, with the aid Of
his negro body servant, breathing heav-
lily "Sirs," he protested, "let there
he no bloodshed, beg of your
'My lord" Armand's voice was quiet
and contained, and it was all he said.
Lord Fairfax stopped short, looked at
him q moment, swallowed and stood
still.
Rolph came lurching forward, his
shifty eyes sobered by the outcome.
''Gentlemen," he cried, 1"'clear the room
and send the servants away. We shall
need to confer"
The baron crossed the room at this
and held out his hand. II beg of you,"
he said, Ito honor me by your presence
at Greenway Court tomorrow"
II thank you, my lord" said Armand.
Then the old man, with his head up,
erect and leaning on his servants arm,
passed out to his chariot. He knew
very we'll that Foy was reputed to be
The best swordsmnn in the colonies.
Have you a friend who will server"
asked Rolph. Armand shook his head.
AYE" said Henry dercely, and,
~ Jonr 1oon nvor ho Gill