The Caldwell tribune. [volume] (Caldwell, Idaho Territory [Idaho]) 1883-1928, 1907-12-07
But the unhappy youth was much

Gull ubeu.
"They say It's fine place for Sun
day school picnlcs."
Sunday school pIcnIcsw cried the
old man. This was no Sunday school
picnic. My grandfather, Horatio
Gregg, was an active participant in
that great sea fight. He told me he
was there. He said: 4 was In the
fight at Put-in-Bay.' He was old and
feeble when he said 1t. He had lived
for many years with my Uncle Hover
in Australia. His memory was quite
gone, but he hadn't forgotten Perry
and Put-ln-Bay." He paused and drew
long breath. And now, SIR" he
said. you will understand why we
Greggs are proud race. We stood by
our native land In her time Of direct
need. Can your family match this
recoTd2"
The young man shook his head.
"Im afraid not, sir One of my
grandfathers was clergyman, sir,
and the other was physician"
The old man waved his hand as If
dismissing an audience
"Then, sir, you must give up all
thoughts Of marrying Josephine. The
Greggs have too much pride to ally
themselves with family whose patri-
| otto sacrifices date back only to the
Civil War. Look UP your forefathers,
sir, and If you find anything report to
me promptly. Good afternoon"
Good afternoon" said the younger
man. :
The young man went away feeling
| blue He had dreaded this necessary
interview, and now 1t had turned out
much worse than he expected.
He found Josephine = waiting for
him on the side porch.
She read his face as he came near
| "Well?' she said.
"Bad2" he answered.
odd you approach father as told
your"
There was very little approach
about It, He met me more than half
way and bowled me over"
I'm afraid you bldndered."
"No, l didn't. / didn't have time
He frowned at her. ''Why didn't you
tell me about the battle Of Lake ErieT
| Dear me- did he mention thatT
did he mention Is Why, he pretty
nearly fought it all over again. Be
cause / didn't have grandfather
there I'm going to lose you. l know
what I'll do-I'll consult lawyer"
The old man looked up from his
writing.
"How are you, Stewartr' he said,
as he waved his hand toward chair.
1--WE don't see much of you of late?
You mustn't let that little disagree
ment stand In the way of our contin-
ued friendship, my boy"
THANK you, Mr.. Gregg" He hesi-
tated II am here ON a somewhat pc
culiar errand, sir. If you remember
our talk last month you will recall
that you advised me to look up the
records. have done so, sir, and the
result in one instance Is somewhat sur
prising." lie paused and drew the
big envelope from his inner pocket.
"May read this communication, sirf
1t is quite brief.'
| "Does 1t concern me-"
'It-it may interest you, sir"
"Read it.
George slowly unfolded the parch-
ment-like sheet.
"'Ofice Of the British Admiralty,
Bureau Of Naval Enrollments, No. II
Curzon Street, London.-Sir: Your
esteemed favor Of the 9th ult has
been passed upon and duly certified to
request concerning the enrolment of
one Horatio Gregg, possibly in the ser
vice of III. B. NJ. during the conflict
between Great Britain and the United
States, sometimes called the War of
1912, have the honor to inform you
that the records Of this office disclose
the fact that one H. Gregg was en-
rolled as a member of the crew of his
British majesty's ship Detroit, Capt.
Barclay commanding. With every con-
! StuCAoaiob Va SStCShip all youic W
command, Ponsonby- Hawkins, Secre-
tary."
The old man stared at George.
"Let me see that letter." he said.
George handed 1t to him.
ut would appear" he slowly said,
"that my estimable grandfather was
on the other side. I begin to believe
he wasn't there at ALL" He spoke q
little sharply "Of course, this mustn't
60 any further" he said.
NO" said George.
The old man deliberately tore the
letter into little bits and tossed them
into the waste basket.
"How about Josephine?" George
promptly asked.
"I'll leave that to Josephine. If she
wants you. have no objection"
THANK you," said George and was
of like a shot.
He found Josephine waiting for him
on the side porch.
She looked up anxiously.