Central High School - Interlude Yearbook (South Bend, IN)

Page 22 text:

I8 THE INTERLUDE quickly and absolutely. for he was sure that the good God would give them victory in this time of need. John Mentor had heard all this, yet other thoughts held sway until he realized that the General was saying, Gates must cross also and attack Count Donope at Burlington and Ewing will cross below and come up to Tren- ton. VVe will go above here and go down into Trenton. Some one must go down to the other camps and bear orders for them. I cannot ask it. XYill some one volunteer? Then John woke up. Quick as a tlash there passed through his brain: l know the coun- try. I am young and strong. The General has trusted me before. I ought to go. lint ludith- Not daring to think or consider longer, he spoke up. T will go, General. The men parted, giving him clear passage to where XVashington stood before his aide-de- camn. Seeing who had snoken, he said, .-Xh, Mentor! now l know the dispatches will reach them. Come with me, my lad. The under otiicers took charge and the men dispersed to break un camn for a rapid march. Soon Mentor had his dispatches and started on foot, for by following the river, he could make quicker time than by roar! on horseback. The snow was deep and a sharp wind was blowing across the river. .Xlthough he soon be- came cold and wearied bv the difficult wad- ing, he forgot it in the pleasing recollections of the f3eneral's last words to him. The Gen- eral had said that he realized Mentor would like to heln rid Trenton of the Hessians, so he might return to Ewing's armv and cross with him after delivering the disnatches to Gates. His neculiar smile whe11 he said this showed that he realized that it was more than intense hatred of the lflessians which made Mentor's face brighten so at this arrangement. This friendly personal interest meant more to the young man than any number of words of praise for his braverv in undertaking the long, cold journey could have meant. , The four miles to Ewing's camp did not seem so long as he had expected and, present- ing his passport, he was soon admitted to the Commander's presence. As Ewing read the dispatches, a look of incredulity spread over his face and he muttered as if it were beyond belief. Cross the Delaware! Cross the Dela- ware! is VVashington crazy? Young man, what does this mean ? Mentor had been warned that he might have to go into details and reassure Ewing. Quick- ly he called attention to the necessity and ended with the reminder, He will cross at nine to-night, and you cross at ten and meet him in Trenton. And those are the Gener- al's orders. Rested and refreshed by the short stop, Mentor started on for the longer walk to Gates's division of the army. Every bay and H every curve in the river was known to him and he struck inland to avoid additional walk- ing. By the time he had covered four of the miles he was numb with cold and exhausted them floundering in deep drifts. Slowly and more slowly he walked and just as it began to seem as though he never could get there, he came in sight of the camp. Pushing on with revived energy, he soon reached the outer sentries and then the Connnandefs house. Gates read the orders with amazement-and, worse, for he sprang from his chair, exclaim- ing, XVhat! ls VX'ashington fool enough to think l'll try to cross to-night? lt can't be done, so there's no use trying. lf Count Don- ope wants to fight me, he can come over here ! Disregarding the bearer of the message, he strode to the door and, with his usual impul- sive action, called in his aide-de-camp and burst forth with, Here are some orders from XYash- ington! XYe are to cross the Delaware to- night and attack Count Donope at llurlington. XYell, what'll we do if we can't? XVithout waiting for any reply, Gates roared, XYe can't. lt is impossible. Orders are or- ders but they don't apply to the impossible. Send a boat out and see if it can cross. lf not, we can't. He left the room abruptly, but the more thoughtful aide-dc-camp sent in hot food and drink for Mentor, who sat in a daze as a com- fortable warmth stole over hin1. He heard the bustle out of doors and knew what the result of the trial was likely to be, since the Com- mander had such assurance as to its failure. Very soon it seemed to him, Gates again burst into the house, blustering, Knew it couldn't be done. Wasliiiigtoii himself can't do it. That Gates would dare to stay on this side when ordered to cross hardly seemed possible to John Mentor, who had come to be greatly trusted on account of his unfailing obedience. VVith unconscious contempt in his voice, he asked, Aren't you going to obey General VVashington's orders ?'! Eor the first time Gates recognized Men- tor's presence. lle said gruffly, lt is impos- sible, man, impossible!', Ewing can't and won't do it and neither will XVashington. He resumed his seat and sat mumbling to himself, The boat went out 50 feet and could hardly get back. Impossible! It was now nearly three in the afternoon and Mentor had rested so that he felt he must start back at once so that he would not miss Ewing. The last words of Gates were still ring- ing in his ears, Does XVashington care more for the favor of the people than for the safety of the soldiers ? The injustice of this remark and the evident jealousy expressed in it stung Mentor to the quick, for he loved and honored XVashington and knew the sincerity of his mo- tives.

Page 21 text:

THE INTERLUDE 17 1 1 WASHINGTONS MESSENGER 1 1 W was Christmas day and very cold, but none noticed that. Everybody about the camp was waiting, almost breathlessly. The very air was crisp and tense. Soldiers talked in undertones and glanced toward the General's tent, expecting- thev knew not what. Dispatches had come that morning which were undoubtedly of se- rious import, for General VVashington had not issued from his room since receiving them. llis decision might hold in the balance the suc- cess of the entire campaign, the freedom of their newly made country, and the safety of their homes. There was good reason, then, to wonder what that decision would be. Camp duties were neglected for the time. Groups of soldiers formed- and then reformed into oth- ers, all with the same theme in their thoughts and conversation. We must do something, and that right quick, insisted one man. Yes, but what? It looks as if we'd do what we can right now, rather than what we want to or even what we must, rejoined another. Others joined in the talk. VVith that river full of floating ice between us and the redcoats, we can't very well do any- thing we'd like to 'em! No, and we can't go south and leave them here, so the only thing we can do is to stick b . X'We must do something. We've got to, in- sisted the first speaker. If the General- But he was interrupted by a call from the General's camp. Altonl The General's voice rang out clear and firm. The thousand and more men gathered around heard it distinctly and looked anxiously after the aide-de-camp as he strode quickly to the building. He entered and saluted. General lVashington spoke calmly and with decision, summing up the situation. The enemy is still at Trenton, having a gay time. VVe have done nothing for weeks. The cause and the country as well as the men de- mand that we act. VVe need their supplies and ammunition, but above all we need a victory. After a pause the stern lines of the General's face relaxed as he questioned, The Delaware is full of ice? It is, General, answered Alton, who had not vet caught the General's plan. 'WVe have but a few old boats, and it would he dangerous crossing? This also came as a half question. Very dangerous, indeed. sir, replied the aide-de-camp slowly, as the full meaning of the question dawned upon him. Almost impos- sible l he added. No, not impossible. XVashington had made his decision and there was no alterna- tive. I have prayerfully considered it and it is the only way. His eyes grew sad as he said, The men have much to risk either way. Ask them if they will go with me tonight across the Delaware to Trenton and to vic- tory! ik ff :if x The waiting soldiers gathered within hear- ing distance of Alton as he stood on the steps of the rude shelter. All the anxiety and un- rest of the past week was written on their faces as they turned, trying to read the nature of the news in his face. He did not keep them in suspense. Soldiers, he said, the redcoats are having an easy time of it over at Trenton. XVe need their supplies and the country is expecting us to do something. XVill we go with General XVashington to-night across the Delaware to Trenton and to victorv? A resounding cheer rose from the men, and reassuring exclamations of Indeed, we will! Go for the Hessianslu and Tell him we're with him l The uproar suddenly quieted as each realized the awful risk of the scheme. Heaviness came upon the hearts of most as thev thought of dear ones. But one young heart was not heavy. for the cloud which had been over it during their en- campment on this side of the river had disap- peared at the words, Trenton and to-night. For Trenton to-night meant ,ludith to-mor- row. Vlfhen the troops had marched south with the Hessians at their heels, he had had high hopes of their making camp near Trenton, and pleasant dreams of a winter spent near his old home and his young sweetheart had filled his mind. But when, after one night's stop, thev took their place across the Delaware, he had nothing but the memory of that one pleas- ant evening to overcome the tantalizing thought of the impassably short distance be- tween them. John Mentor stood as in a daze, thinking of the possible pleasures and not the probable dangers of the expedition. On hearing the cheer, the General came out to appeal personally to each soldier, for he had decided that in such a case it was well tu go beyond his usual reserve and explain the details of his plans to them, for it was their cause as much as his, and their risk more than his. Respectfully the men listened to him while he told them how thankful he was that thev stood by him in this crisisg how much this vic- torv ffor it must be a victoryl would mean to their dear ones and to their countrv: and how he hoped that each one would do his duty

Page 23 text:

THE INTERLUDE I9 The outward cold penetrated his heavy coat and, pushing his way against the wind, he began to think of himself. Ile wondered if Iiwing also would call it impossible to cross and if he would yet have to stay on this side while XVashington routed the lclessians, and some one else, perhaps, spent his time with judith. The way did not seem long, for the rushing and confused thoughts kept his mind from his fatigue, the cold, and the darkness which had settled over the white country, making the crunch and roar of the mighty river, as it ground its way by, seem more threatening and awful. Darkness had completely enveloped the world when he saw the faint glitnmer of lights of l2wing's camp, for it was nearly six o'clock. Ile made his way once more to the Com- mander's house to report conditions at the other camps. liwing questioned him closely as to the conditions, supplies, and feeling at tiatcs's camp, ending with the question which Mentor dreaded above all others, for he knew its discouraging purport, Is his wing cross- ing to-night? Receiving a clear statement of Gates's view and decision, Ewing said thoughtfully, XVash- ington is usually over-conservative, but I, also, fear the plan is wild and the orders im- possible to obey. The Commander left the room and Mentor heard him consulting with his under oiiicers in the adjoining room. They were consider- ing whether to obey or not! If they didn't- if they didn? go-like a panic the thought seized him, if they didn't go, he cou1dn't. XYashington would go and he was only nine miles away. Regardless of his fatigue and the darkness and storm which would impede him, his decision was quicklv made. If they didn't go, he would walk back and cross with XYashington. Soon the talking in the other room ceased and liwing reentered the room in which Men- tor was. lle walked across the room and, seating himself with deliberation, he began talking calmly, l think, and my oiiicers agree with me, that it would not be safe crossing to-night. l know l should obey orders, but in this case I think there is sufficient cause to take exception. XYe have 3,000 men to take over in a few old boats. XYashington himself will probably not cross. XYe are not going. .Xngered by this calm disregard of orders. Mentor sprang from his chair, exclaiming, I am going up to cross with Xtashington. lt is nine miles and 1 have three hours. I will carry the word that you are not going to meet him in Trenton. This sudden heat startled the L'ommande1'. but he set himself to help Mentor bundle and fortify himself against the long, cold walk, since he was determined to go. The first few miles were not hard, but he came out on the broad slope along the river to End the stinging wind made sharper by a sleet. As he struggled along against this, he found his little strength leaving him. The drifts seemed continually growing deep- er and the wind constantly growing sharper. lfle kept close to the river for fear he would lose his way. as the sweeping snow bewildered him. Once in a while he found tracks of the great army which had passed in the morning. livery muscle ached, for his tramping that day had exhausted him beyond his realization, but he trudged on, stumbling and pushing his way against the wind. His tired brain and eyes refused to work and one thought kept mo- notonously running through his mind, Tren- ton to-nightg Judith to-morrow! . lt seemed as though he had walked many times the distance and the last mile seemed ten. lint numbed and exhausted, he pushed through the storm to his duty and his de.sire. .X vague fear had come to him that he might miss XYashington and not have a chance to warn him that Ewing and Cates would not support him. Step by step he covered the last mile and sighted a few lights which indicated the pres- ence of the army and the last steps were harder than all the rest of the distance. Finally he reached the sentries and gasped a few words. They. recognized him, and two of them sup- ported him to the Generals presence. XYith compassion and sympathy XVashington lis- tened to the miserable and discouraging report which he managed to tell by jerks. lieforc taking account of this news, he ordered all the comforts and care which the camp afforded to be given Mentor. Then he said, 'fXYe have al- ready been delayed an hour, but we will go soon even if we have to whip the lflessians our- selves. Care for this brave lad and he shall go with us. The fatigue and drowsiness overcame Blen- tor, and he passed into a heavy slumber. When he next came to, he heard the crunch of icc and realized that he was crossing the Dela- ware. I-le murmured to himself, Trenton to- night: Judith to-morrow! l:l,tlRl-INCIC Nl. XVI-Il.IJ, 'lO. 2.2 3 L, J