River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-08-08


hand, and the younger officer lifted his
cooked hat in acknowledgment. Let
us spur over there, lieutenant, until
get you a ticket of invitation.
followed, careless of the loss OF
time so could both see and hear.
andre. this is Lieutenant For
tesQue just in from New York with
dispatches for Howe. / have prom
ised him ticket for tonight.
The young officer laughingly extend
ed hand.
"The more the merrier, Craig. With
the Forty-second see, sir; knew your
colonel well. You'll find America isn't
so bad. after you get used to it. We've
had gay time here. Ell. O'Hara! The
best Of liquor, and the prettiest OF
girls, and now wen show the town
something it won't forget in hurry"
He held out a card to me. Rather
ornate, considering the printers in
these colonies; designed it myself"
1t was certainly handsome souve-
mir, perhaps six inches by four in
size. engraved as in shield. yielding
a view of the sea, with the setting
sun, and on wreath the words, "Lucco
discendens, ancto splendore resur-
gam" while at the top was the gen.
erals crest, bearing the words. "Vive
vale
"a fine conceit, indeed" ! con-
fessed, "and if the pageant be equal
to it's promise twill be well worth
the seeing. What is the purpose. gen.
tlemen?"
ITO give Sir William fit farewell"
returned Andre, pleased at my I'M
stinted praise. "And now that the
Lord has sent us a fine day. / can
promise a festival worthy the herald.
But, Fortesque, if you would have au-
dience with Howe, I advise you to get
on, for he will have few spare mo-
ments between now and day-dawn to-
morrow"
We parted with much bowling, Craig
and guiding our horses through the
crowded streets, being kept too busy
avoiding accidents to exchange con-
versation. Howe's headquarters on
High street were not pretentious, and,
except for single sentinel posted at
the door, were unguarded. / was ad-
mitted without delay. An aide took
my name, and within very few mo-
ments Sir William himself entered
through a rear door, attired in &eld
uniform. He greeted me with much
affability, glancing hastily over ths.
papers handed him, and then into my
face.
These do not greatly change my
former Plans" he said, but am glad
to know / can retain my present staff
There was no special news in New
York, ieutenant?"
None of particular Importance,
believe, sir. We landed only short
time ago."
yes. understand You were for
tunate to get through here so easily
the Jerseys are hotbed of rebellion
Do you return with me by water?"
81 believe that was left to my own
discretion. should be glad of day
or two in Philadelphia"
Easily arranged. While / shall
leave the city tomorrow so as to give
Clinton fair field, l shall remain on
Lord Howe's flagship for some little
time previous to final departure for
New York. You had better mess here
with my staff Mabry," turning to the
aide, "see that Lieutenant Fortesque
has breakfast, and procure him pass
good indefinitely within our lines. You
will pardon my withdrawal, as the Off
Gers of the garrison promise me an
exceedingly busy day. We will meet
again, ne doubt
He claspad my hand warmly, and
withdrew, leaving me alone with the
aide, half-ashaiaed, confess, of hav-
ing been compelled to deceive. Yet
the very ease of st all stimulated en-
deavor, and / conSersed lightly with
Mabry over the mess table, and. when
the orderly returned with the neces-
sary pass, was keen to start upon
my round of inspection, utterly for
getful of having been up and in saddle
all night. Mabry could not leave his
duties to accompany me. but cour.
teously furnished fresh horse, and
assigned a private OF dragons to
guide me about the city. By ten
o'clock we were off. my only fear be-
ing the possible meeting with some &C.
quaintance.