Reporter and farmer. [volume] (Webster, Day County, Dakota [S.D.]) 188?-1946, 1904-12-22

4 \ Duncan. the lieutenant com
manding the guard, received me with
unusual courtesy, the reason Of which
l did not at the time suspect.
"An express from Sir William has al
this moment come in," said he. "Sir
William is aware that a belt bearer
from Virginia awaits him"
How could Sir William. who is al
Castle Cumberland, know thatg' l be
gan, then was silent, as it flashed into
my mind that Mistress Molly had SEN
an express I Sir William as soon as /
had told her about the strange Cayuga,
That vas the galloping horseman ]
had heard.
Pondering and perplexed, i looked UP
to find Mr.. Duncan smiling at me.
81 understand" said he, that Sir
William is pleased to approve your
conduct touching the strange Cayuga,
and l know this. that Sir William has
left something for you with me, a pres.
ent, In fact, which l am to deliver to
you on the morrow"
"What is it, Mr.. DuncanT l leased,
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 a trumpeter took station six
PAGES to the right and front; the ser
geant, at a carry, advanced and sa-
luted with Parade is formed, sir"
l followed, and now, standing by the
blockhouse gate, far away in the vii
Age | heard the rubadub of a 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 armsr' cried Mr.. Duncan
sharply.
A dark mass, which | had not sup
posed to be moving, suddenly doomed
up close In front of u.s., taking the
shape of a 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 blockhouse 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?" ]
asked respectfully.
Three companies of Royal Ameri
cans from Albany" said Mr.. Duncan
Then, noticing my puzzled face, he
added: There is to be a big council
fire held here, Master Cardigan. 1t is
the Six Nations gathering. We expect
important guests"
what forT' l asked.
81 don't know" said Mr.. Duncan
gravely. Good night, MI. Cardigan
Good night sir" / 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 l walked
quickly back to the Hall.
If Sir william does not return, you
will dine with Felicity alone" said
Aunt Molly to me, and l expect you
to conduct exactly like Sir William, and
refrain from kicking under the table
"Yes, Aunt Molly" said 1. delighted
Silver Heels, with her hair done by
Betty and a blue sash over her fresh
lowered cambria, passed me on the
stairs coming down. pausing to wish
Mistress Molly good night.
"Have ypu seer the soldiers. Micky,
and the nres on the hillsT' she cried
Tomorrow all the officers will be here
and | am to wear my hair curled and
my pink dress and tucker, with sepa.
rate sleeves Of silver gauze. Micky,
90 and put on your silk breeches and
lace cuffs, and we will be gay and
grand to dine"
ran to my chamber, bathed and
dressed In all my inery, meaning to
lord 1t In the dining hall should Sir
William not return.
30 that night Silver Heels and !
supped alone together In the great hall
Mr.. Butler having hurriedly ridden to
his home, and Sir William not yet re.
turned. though two hours past candle
light.
l remember we had 4 branded strip,
Of which Silver Heels took too much,
II making her pettsh and sleepy. and
after supper. when we sat together on
the stairs, she harped ever on the same
string. approaching me for playing the
high and mighty. whereas all could
plainly - was nothing but . bog
IKE Esk and Peter and need give my.
self no plumes.
"You shall sea. she saId. 'xou shall