William. "Is not that a French name?"
Gen. P. "Yes; my son—a name given to the Island, while the French had possession of it. Do you know where it lies?"
William. "It is a small island, near the northern extremity of Lake Champlain."
Gen. P. "Right. It is pronounced Eel-o-nwar; and signifies the island of nuts."
John. "Did the people find walnuts there, father?"
Gen. P. "Some kind of nuts doubtless, my son; but whether walnuts, or hazel nuts, or some other kind, I am unable to say."
Henry. "Pray, John, don't ask so many foolish questions, I want to hear the story."
Gen. P. "But you would wish your brother to know the reason of things, would you not, master Henry? It was quite a proper question, and one it seems none of us can answer. We must examine the point some time, and let master John know.
"The American troops had not been long a this island, before many of them were taken sick and sent to the hospital. Crosby was of the number. But he had no idea of confinement. In a few days, he resolved to join the army again. To this the surgeon remonstrated. It might be his death he said; but the valiant soldier could not be persuaded, and again appeared at camp.
"'What!' exclaimed Capt. Benedict, when he saw him, 'have you got back, Crosby? I never expected to see you again. You look too ill to be here. You would make a better scare-crow than soldier, I fancy, just now.'