arms, and superintending their
discipline."

Lord Fairfax loved him with the love of a father, but he did not dream
that he was becoming the benefactor of England's conqueror.

Mr. Weems says: "Little did the old gentleman expect that he was
educating a youth who should one day dismember the British Empire, and
break his own heart, which truly came to pass; for on hearing that
Washington had captured Cornwallis and all his army, he called out to his
black servant, 'Come, Joe, carry me to my bed, for it is high time for me
to die.'"

VIII.

MILITARY HONORS.

"There is a chance for you, George, in the reorganization of the
militia," remarked Lawrence, who was personally interested in a movement
to improve the soldiery of Virginia.

"What chance?" George asked.

"For an appointment as my successor. The state of my health makes my
resignation necessary, and you are competent to take charge of my
district."

"My youth will prevent that."

"Not necessarily. Youth will not weigh so much against you as a
competency will do for you. Qualifications for the place is what the
authorities will require."

"And their attention will naturally be directed to older men, who are
well known," suggested George.

"But I propose to present your claims, when I forward my resignation,
myself," continued Lawrence.

"You have enjoyed superior opportunities to fit you for such a position;
and for the appointing power to know your qualifications is to secure to
you the place."

"What will be my duties if I get the appointment?" inquired George.

"You will be adjutant-general, with the rank of major, and will have
charge of the militia in the district. You will have to drill them at
stated times, inspect their arms, and make their organization as
thorough as possible."

"And give all my time to the work?"

"No, not all your time will be required. It is no small responsibility
to assume, however; but you are equal to it, and it will be a grand
school for you. You will have a salary of one hundred and fifty pounds,
and you will be held responsible for the efficiency of the militia."

"I don't know about taking so much responsibility upon myself,"
responded George, whose modest estimate of his own abilities was one of
his virtues. "Experience is indispensable for such a position, it seems
to me, and I have not had experience."

"Well, we will see what can be done," added Lawrence. "I have made up my
mind to intercede f