Revolution. Come, which of you will tell something about George
Washington--the Father of his Country?"

"I can tell you of an important incident in the career of Washington,
which was told to me by a man who witnessed a part of it, and heard the
rest," said Colson.

"Then strike up, old boy," said Kinnison, familiarly.




THE TREASON OF RUGSDALE.


"What I am now about to tell you occurred in the fall of 1782," began
Colson. "General Washington was then at West Point. One evening he was
invited to a party given at the house of one Rugsdale, an old friend.
Several other officers were invited to accompany him. The general seldom
engaged in festivities at the period, but in respect to an old
acquaintance, and, it is whispered, the solicitations of the daughter of
Rugsdale, he consented to honour the company with his presence. He
started from West Point in a barge, with some officers and men. As the
barge gained the opposite bank, one of the rowers leaped on shore, and
made it fast to the root of a willow which hung its broad branches over
the river. The rest of the party then landed, and uncovering, saluted
their commander, who returned their courtesy.

"'By ten o'clock you may expect me,' said Washington. 'Be cautious; look
well that you are not surprised. These are no times for trifling.'