Emmons County record. [volume] (Williamsport, D.T. [i.e. N.D.]) 1884-current, 1920-04-08

"Foroet It, Antoine!"
family. Please tell them at the
residence that I'll dine at seven"
Every good, sir" he said in his
pompous manner, but l saw that he
was miffed by my Indifference.
Flynn. having disposed of the car,
came to ask if there was anything
he could do for me.
"Tony's against the wire and me-"
he said mournfully. "It's the war,
sorr, and she and me that lille, sorr.
the American flag floats from the
garage every day. And If heart can
be lille. Elsie's as true to America as
though she was-born in Boston state
house."
II believe you. Flynn" said,
touched by his nervousness. Don't
,, you worry about Antoine and the rest
Of them; they're just little nervous;
I'll see what I can do to straighten
things out"
AS went about my unpacking
was sorry that had discouraged
Antolne's condolences. That these
old hotel servants. flung upon a farm
with little TO do, should fall to quar-
reling was not surprising, but what he
had said as to the inquiries for Mrs.
Bashford had reused my curiosity.
In spite of my legal right to live on
the farm. had no intention of re-
naming If my uncle's widow turned
up. She could hardly fail to regard
me as an intruding poor relation. no
matter how strictly kept to my own
| quarters.
whistled myself into good humor
as dressed and started for the house
along the driveway. which followed
the shore. veering off for look at the
sunken garden. one Of the few fea-
lures of the place that had ever inter-
ested my uncle.
AS l paused on the steps I caught
sight Of man sitting dejectedly on
stone bench near fountain whose
Jet tossed and caught a ball with
languid iteration. had identified
him as an old birmingham bell-hop.
known Familiarity as Dutch, before he
heard my step and sprang to his feet,
grabbing a pitchfork whose prongs
he presented threateningly.
ooh. it's you. sir" he faltered.
dropping the implement. Excuse
me. sir!'
"whats your trouble. I; Dutch?
You're not expecting burglars, are
yoq?" -
place amt what they wuz. It's my
name. which amt my name.. not
reg'lar, an I'm campin' In the tool.
house. An me born right there in
New York an American clean
through. My grandpap came across
when he wuz kid. but it amt my
fault he wuz Goiman. Mr.. Singleton.
don't know no Goiman except
pretzel, sauerkraut, wiener wurst, and
them kinds O. woids."
'Those belong to the universal
language. Dutch" l answered consol.
fngly. what is your name, anyhow"
Augustus Schortemeier, and say
It amt no worse'n Longfellow," he
protested.
The point was delicate and not one
that ! felt myself qualified to discuss.
! babe him cheer up and passed on.
As I reached the house heard q
sharp command in an authoritative
voice and saw at curve Of the drive
way q number of men in military
fnrrno t1ny, v,nrfor,,,irr o.,nI,,f3ono au
the most sprightly manner. They
carried broomsticks. and at sight of
me the commander brought his COM
pany to very ragged Present arms !"
Their uniform was that Of the Tyring.
ham bell-hops and walters, and It
dawned upon me that this was an
army Of protest representing the Allied
armies on the shores Of Connecticut.
There was dozen Of them, and the
captain recognized as Scotty, a
hop who had long worn the birmingham
livery. 4 waved my hand to them
and turned to find Antoine awaiting
me at the door. 5s
Its the troops. sir" he explained.
TITS to keep Dutch and Gretchen and
Elsie she's the wife Of that Flynn
In proper order. sir :
Troops" was large term for the
awkward squad Of retired walters
and bell-hops. and It was with Diff
Guilty that I kept my face straight.
TITS most unfortunate, but we was
forced to II. Dinner. Ii served, SIR
From the dining table IN the long