The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1928-05-04
CHAPTER I--Continued

p ~
worked my way into the taproom
OF the Royal George and, made bold
to put question to a young sub
altern. He eyed me haughtily. and
then began to admire my ieggings
and fringed shirt, the nearest he mad
yet come to Indian life, and in a low
voice, so as not to destroy bis dignity
began to babble questions. Had
really seen wild Indians? Had killed
any2 Was it true the savages cooked
and ate al their prisoners? Al last
i satisfied his greediness and finally
learned what had desired.
Governor Dinwiddie had returned
from the Maryland shore and was al
the Carlyle house together with 9TH
ers OF the council. They were hold
ing the last conference before the
army marched.
Quitting the Royal George I has
tened to conclude my business. The
numbering coach had disappeared by
the time reached the Carlyle house,
but the horses Of the escort were
tethered under the double row OF
Lombardy poplars and knew the
council was still In session.
was acquainted with the house IN
side and out, and it had changed none
during my absence. Mr.. Carlyle, q
most gracious, kindly man, had per-
mitted us boys to explore 1t and make
it figure prominently In some Of our
games. Once on dare from Busby ]
had climbed out Of dormer-window
and crawled among the heavy-shoul-
dered chimneys and was severely lee
tured by the owner.
advanced toward the dark door
ana quickly found a bayonet disput-
ing my approach, with the sentinel
growing for me to halt. His side
long glance at my rifle was ill-favored.
fringed shirt and leggings did not
ysAeet with his approval.
II have news for his excellency,
Governor Dinwiddie," ] told him.
'sThis is General Braddock's head
quarters. Go back to the road, you
woods-rat," he commanded.
II have news for General Brad
DOCK persisted.
He advanced the bayonet and, red
with anger, i leaped back to escape
being pricked. He came on as re-
treated: and in this humiIiating man.
ner was being driven from the por-
tai-arch and its massive carved frame
when familiar voice asked an expla-
nation. The sentinel stared over my
shoulder sullenly but still kept his
bayonet at my breast.
Without turning my head ex-
planned:
Il ann Webster Brond. Mr.. Carlyle.
| have news for the council II / am
permitted to give it."
Mr.. Carlyle stepped forward and
said to the soldier:
II know this young man. He is
one Of our citizens and he comes from
the western country. The council
will wish to hear what he has to say"
But the red-coat knew his orders
and therein was a good soldier--and
he would not give In an inch until
a superior had passed on my appli.
cation. He bawled out, and a SER
geant appeared on the scene, and Mr..
Carlyle repeated his Endorsement Of
me. The sergeant ordered the senti-
mel back to his post and told us we
were at liberty to proceed.
Word was carried inside and after
several minutes, during which heard
the clInking of glasses and the muf.
fed giving Of toast. an officer opened
the door and motioned for me to en-.
ter. had expected Mr.. Carlyle to
accompany me, but be was not In.
Guided In the invitation. He gave me
a smile and nod and passed down
the hall and out into the garden.
My conductor motioned for me to
halt Just inside the door and await
the pleasure of the august commander
Of all the kings soldiers in America.
General Braddock-of Irish descent
say many. but his name is Saxon.
"Broad-oak"-had Governor Dinwid.
die on his right hand and Governor
De Lancey Of New York on bis left.
~ Rthers around the board were
q norN Shirley of Massachusetts,
Sin be Of Maryland. Dobbs Of North
Carolina. Morris of Pennsylvania.
Near the foot of the table were Com
u,odore Keppel. Sir John st. Clair,
British qnartermaster general, and
prominent citizen had seen several
times In Philadelphia. Benjamin
Franklin.
None paid any attention to me be-
{ond 3 passing glance from those fac.