The Birmingham age-herald., 1908-06-21

superior body of French appeared before it, but permitted him to retire without molestation. They took the fort and named it Duquesne after the Canadian governor.
 In the next year Major Washington again volunteered for wilderness service, and led a small body of provincials to re- pei the Frenchmen. In that expedition was fired the first shot in the French wars of America.
 Thus, in a savage forest of Pennsylvania a young Virglnlan fired a shot and woke up a war which was to last for sixty years, which was to cover his own coun- try and pass over into Europe, to cost France her American colonies, then to cost England her American colonies, to rage over the Old World when extin- guished in the New-and of all the myrl- ads engaged in the contest, to leave the prize of the greatest fame with him who struck the first blow!
 Major George Washington returned de- feated but with the honors of war; and when Gen. Braddock, ponderous, igno- rant, brave as bulldog, prodigal, gener- ous dull of wit and gentle in soft moods, arrived in the Potomac with regular troops, Col. George Washington was se- lected as an aide de camp, position which George Warrington succeeded in obtaining also, much to the generous envy of Harry.
 Before they departed to the wilderness George Warrington imagined that he had discovered the true reason for MT. Wash ingtons constant attendance on Mime. Es- mond; and objecting very much to. MT. Washington as a stepfather, he set him self the task of forcing a quarrel on that gentleman.
 Mir Washington affected not to notics the young mans words for a long time, but at last, on a day just before the starting of the troops. Georges anger reached a stage where he passed from po- lite affrouts to open insults.
 "Confound your irnpudence, you internal young jackanapesi'' suddenly believed Col. Washington, with glaring eyes and every limb quivering with wrath. For months past have borne with such im- pudence from you that if I had not loved your mother-yes, sir, and your good grandfather and your brother, I would put you across my knee and whip you, you snarling little puppy, that's what would dor'
 At once both Harry and George started up and demanded reparation. The stout ColoneHs heart smote him. An immense tenderness and kindness filled him at the thought that he should be called on to shed the blood of one of these lads whom he loved. II am bewildered," he said. My words, per haps, were very nasty. What is the meaning.-of this?"
 An evil spirit was awake and vic torious in young George Warrington. His black eyes shot out hatred at the simple and guileless gentleman before him. He replied with fresh insults.
 Tn heavens name be it." said MT. Washington, with deep grief in his face.
 The two champions withdrew to write their letters before the meeting. One of those written by Mr. Washing ton was addressed simply "M C." Then he stalked into the field where they were to fight.
 "George George Washington" cried voice. It was Harry, rushing with both hands out, with love and affection thrilling in his honest voice. He had discovered that the Colonel was paying court, not to Mime. Esmond, but to Mrs. Custis; and George was coming to apologize humbly.
 Thank God, thank God for this,' said George Washington, with falter- ing voice. He took Harry fairly into his arms and held him close to his heart.
 He did not embrace George, but held his hand out to him gravely, saying: George, take true friends advice and try and be less ready to think evil of your friends"
 The next day General Braddock, with his riotous soldiery and scarcely less riotous officers. who were loath tear themselves away from the excel lent liquor of Virginia, departed splen- didly on his campaign
 For a time letters were brought bach by couriers. Then came 10 days of silence, Ana tnen u vast anu ououeu gloom spread over the province
 The army had been surprised. The troops had been cut up almost to man. All the officers had been taken down by the French and the savages. The general had died from wounds and had been scalped.
 Harry armed himself and set forth on the north ward track. He went from one end to the other of the dreadful field that was no longer haunted by Indians. but was left in undisturbed possession of the birds of prey. 70 found no trace of his beloved George
 But he learned that one aid de camp had escaped. It was Colonel Washington, lying i'll from fever at a camp formed by the survivors. A sharper pang than that of fever shot through him when he saw poor Harry.
 MT. Washington did not dare to tell Harry all He had buried one body stripped and horribly mutilated by the Indians, which he felt sure was Georges.
 Mournfully the two Yirginians returned to Castlewood. There Mime. Esmond G. ceived Harry with tears and MT. Wash ington with dignity. You yourself, sir, have come through the fatigues and dangers of the campaign in the most wonderful manner" said she with cere- ,nonious courtesy. Thereafter MT. Wash