The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-05-30

p
-nss something OF sincerity about that
solitary kneeling figure could not but
resneot. The words uttered, the deep
resonant voice, and above all, the ex-
weston of that upturned face held
{. y silenf motionless He was 2 man
~ aho-t sturdy limb, but great bulk,
massive chest, and immense shoulders
ovidancing remarkable strength What
was this man, this praying black
smith? A patriot surely, from MS
words Of petition; one who had suf-
tered much, but was willing 70 suffer
moro The strength chiselled ~ that
unturned face, those deeply marked
featnres. revealed no common mental
continent. Here was a real man,
with convictions, one who would die
for an ideal; without doubt a radical,
ready to go to any extreme where con-
science blazed the way.
AS he finally paused, his head bowed
low, stepped forward into the light.
confident Of welcome, utterly forgetful
.of the uniform wore. At the first
faint sound of my approach on the
floor he was upon his feet fronting
ne the shortness of his limbs yield
ing him a certain grotesque appear
ance. his deep-set eyes regarding me
susniciously. Before could realize
the mans intent he sprang between
me- and the outer door, his hand grip
ping an iron bar.
"Asson of Baal!" came the roar from
his lips. "How came you here in that
uniform? Are you alone? Z"
"Alone, yes" and hurled the scar
let Jacket into the dirt with gesture
Of disgust. II had even forgotten
wore It. Wait a moment. 7 heard
your prayer, and know you must be
with us. / am Major Lawrence Of the
Maryland Line"
He stared at me motionless.
"Then how come We hereT
81 was sent into Philadelphia By
Washington himself, but my identity
was discovered, and there was no way
to escape except across the Delaware.
/ reached here during the night, and
crept into your shop to hide. The
sound Of your voice awoke me from
sleep, and / knew from your words
that 1t was safe for me to come forth
"You may know it, young man, but
don't" he replied grufiy. We're q
bit suspicious Of strangers here in the
Jerseys these days. The minions Of
Satan encompass us about. What
have We to show to prove your story 7"
/ shook my head. extending my
hands.
"Only my word OF honor. had q
pass from Hamilton, but destroyed
that before entering the British lines.
II l tell the whole story, perhaps you
will understand its truth"
The expression OF his face did not
change, yet / thought the deep-set
eyes were not altogether unkind.
'You are hungry, no doubt2"
Being human, yes
Then wen eat and talk at the same
time. You're only one man, an I'm
not afraid of you, an If We are a Brit
Usher / wouldn't starve you to death.
There's little enough, the good Lord
knows. but you're welcome to the half
Of 1t. Make yourself comfortable
there on the bench"
He threw open a cupboard In one
corner, and brought forth variety Of
food, placing this upon wide shelf
near at hand. Occasionally our eyes
met, and knew he was slowly max
Ing up his mind regarding me- This
silent scrutiny could not have been all
together unsatisfactory, for, when he
finally drew up an empty box and sat
down, he was prepared to talk.
Help yourself, he began grayely.
1T is rough camp fare, but doubtless
you are used to that. Do you know
met"
| scanned his face again intently,
surprised by the question, yet recog-
nized no familiar features.
NO." l replied, with some hesita-
ton. Have we ever met before?"
Not to my remembrance, and the
mans language and accent evidenced
education above his apparent station.
But ] have won some repute in this t
, part Of the Jerseys, an thought my /
name might be known to you. You
would recognize the signature Of
George Washington"
Il have seen it often"
He drew a fiat leather case from q
pocket inside his shirt, extracting
therefrom Q folded paper, which he
opened, and extended to me across the
table. With glance mastered the
few lines written thereon, recognizing
Its genuineness
Hamilton penned that" said In
quick surprise, "and It is signed by
Washington's own hand
The deep-set eyes twinkied. &
Right" he said shortly, that bit
Of paper may save me from hangin'
some day. There are those who would
like well to see me swing If they only
laid hands on me at the right time
and place. You know what the paper
isR''
"A commission as Captain" and /
bent over it again, ISSUED to Daniel
Farrell, giving him Independent COM
mand Of scouts-by heaYensi are you
Bull FarrelI?"