"George Washington! as true as I live."
Just then the man unsheathed his sword and waved it in the direction of the boys, as if wishing to summon them nearer.
"The old fellow looks kind of ghostly," said Max, irreverently. "But we are sixteen to his one. Come on! We will let him speak for himself, if he can speak."
On the line moved with slow long strokes, in perfect unison, till they came within a few feet of the shore.
"You come up in good style. I always like to see the young American show himself the soldier," said the strange man.
Then Gordon, as spokesman, said, raising his cap, "Have we the pleasure of welcoming to the Curve George Washington, whose birthday we celebrate?"
"You have," replied the person addressed, bowing low, and speaking in a deep bass voice. "Of all the places where the anniversary of my birth is being honored to-day none has offered more attraction than this. It reminds me of scenes from my past life which can never be effaced from my memory. The cliffs that surround this Curve, this frozen stream, this fire even, built in my honor, recall the terrible winter at Valley Forge, and that memorable night when I with my brave followers crossed the Delaware."
Here the General drew forth a large bandanna handkerchief from his pocket and wiped his eyes.
"Who can it be?" whispered the boys.
"And where did he find that rig—'The old three-cornered hat, and the breeches and all that'?" said Donald Gray, who was always ready, on every occasion, with a quotation.