The Plymouth tribune. (Plymouth, Ind.) 1901-1911, 1907-10-10
CHAPTER XVII.

1t was thirty-three years after the in
terview which we have just related that
IN American army was once more arrayed
against the troops bf England; but the
scene was transferred from the banks of
the Hudson to those of the Niagara.
The body of Washington had long lain
Wondering in the tomb; but as time was
fast oblitering the slight impressions of
political enmity or personal envy, his
name was hourly receiving new lustre,
and his worth and integrity each moment
became more visible, not only to his coun-
trymen, but to the world. He was al
ready the acknowledged hero of an age
of reason and truth; and many a young
heart among those who formed the pride
of our army in 1914, was glowing with
the recollection of the one great name of
America, and inwardly beating with the
sanguine expectation of emulating, in
some degree, its renown. In no one were
these virtuous hopes more vivid than in
the bosom of young officer who stood on
the table rock. contemplating the great
cataract, on the evening of July % of
that bloody year. There was another
officer standing by the side of this favored
youth; and both seemed to be gazing for
the first time at the wonder of the west
ern world. A profound silence was OBJ
served by each, until the companion of
the officer that we have described sudden
started, and pointing eagerly with his
sword into the abyss beneath. exclaimed:
"See Wharton, there is man crossing
in the very eddies OF the cataract, and in
a skiff no bigger than an eggshell."
81 q.
soldier" returned the other. LET us
meet him at the ladder, Mason, and learn
his tidings."
Some time was expended in reaching
the spot where the adventurer was inter
cepted. Contrary to the expectations of
the young soldiers. he proved to be a man
far advanced in life, and evidently no fol-
lower of the camp. His years might be
seventy, and they were indicated more by
the thin hairs of silver that lay scattered
over his wrinkled brow than by any ap-
parent failure of his system. His dress
was mean, and manifested the economy of
| its owner by the number and nature Of
| its repairs. On his back was scantily
| furnished pack. A few words of saluta-
| ton, and the old man inquired the news
| from the contending armies.
I'VE whipped the red-coats here the
other day. among the grass on the Chip
| pewa plains" said the one who was called
| Mason: ''since when, we have been play
ing hide-and-go-seek with the ships"
Perhaps you have a son among the
soldiers" said his companion, with an
air of kindness; IF so, tell me his name
and regiment, and 1 will take you to
him."
The old man shook his head. and, pass
| ing his hand over his silver locks. with an
| air of meek resignation, he answered:
mo; am alone in the world -
"fou should have added, Captain Dun
woodie," cried his careless comrade, IF
| you could find either; for nearly half our
! army has marched down the road, and
maybe. by this time, under the walls Of
Fort George, for anything that we know
| to the contrary"
The old man stopped suddenly, and
| looked earnestly from one of his compan-
| ions to the other; the action being OBJ
served by the soldiers, they paused also.
| did 1 hear right?" the stranger ut
! tered, raising his hand to screen his eyes
| from the rays of the setting sun; what
| did he call you?"
| "My name is Wharton Dunwoodie," re-
piled the youth, smiling.