The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-08-03

- was tnQS we came TO CalloWnlll,
and the encampment Of British grena-
diers, an officer OF the Fifty-fifth regi-
ment volunteering to guide me to
Howe's quarters in High street. He
was a genial fellow, and pointed out
various places of interest, as We rode
more slowly through the streets close
along the river side. questioning me
often upon affairs in New York. to
which | returned such vague answers
as pleased me, paying small heed TO
the truth, All along the river were
redoubts, well garrisoned, with black
gun muZzles pointing out across the
water. Many houses had been razed
ana their debris. together with the
nre ruin OF the past winter. gave to
everything look of desolation. Much
artillery was parked in the state house
yard. and several vessels of war were
lying at anchor in the stream, while
the entire shore line was filled with
barges, decorated as for a fete, large
force of men laboring about them. My
companion, observing my interest at
tracted in that direction, reined up
his horse to explain.
Those are the galleys being made
ready for the Mischanza, Fortesque,"
he said, waving his hand. You came
to us at "A lucky hour"
The Mischianza | asked, puzzled
by the strange term. Some festival,
you mean?-some gala day?"
"'Tis an Italian word they tell me.
signifying medley. The officers give
it in farewell to Sir William, who will
sail tomorrow pretty penny it
costs, See, there is Major O'Hara
now, one of the managers; there are
three others. Sir John Wrottlesly. Ma
jor Gardiner. and the chief engineer.
Montresor, Do you know them? No?
Oh, had forgotten you have only Just
arrived. You will know them ere long.
however for they are the leaders in
such affairs. That is Captain Andre
there with O'Hara." He waved his
hand, and the younger officer lifted his
cooked hat in acknowledgment. Let
us spur over there, lieutenant, until |
get you a ticket of invitation
l 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. l 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 a gay time here, eh, O'Hara? The
best of liquor, and the prettiest of
girls, and now Wen show the town
something 1t won't forget in hurry"
He held out card to me. Rather
ornate, considering the printers in
these colonies; designed it myself"
II was certainly handsome souve-
mir, perhaps six inches by four in
size, engraved as in a shield, yielding
view of the sea, with the setting
sun, and on a,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 un-
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, | advise you to get
on, for he will have few spare mo-
ments between now and day-dawn to-
morrow"
We parted with much bowing. Craig
and l 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 a single sentinel posted at
the door, were unguarded. l was ad
mtted without delay. An aide took
my name, and within a very few mo-
ments Sir William himself entered
through a rear door, attired in field
uniform. He greeted me with much
affability, glancing hastily over the
papers handed him, and then into my
face.
These do not greatly change my
former plans" he said. but l am glad
TO know can retain my present staff.
There was no special news in New
York, lieutenant?
None of particular Importance, I
believe, sir. We landed only short
time ago."
Yes. I understand. You were for
tunate to get through here SO easily
the Jerseys are hotbed of rebellion.
Do you return with me by water?"
Il believe that was left to my own
l should be glad of day
or two in Philadelphia"
Easily arranged. While I shall
leave the city tomorrow SO as to give
Clinton a fair field, | shall remain on
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