Page:Sketch of Connecticut, Forty Years Since.djvu/76

 the other was so bandaged that it seemed an useless appendage. This he said was disabled by a shot at the battle of the Eutaw Springs, where, being left senseless on the field, his head was dreadfully lacerated by the tomahawks of the Indians. A swelling, and excoriation upon his arm, which he also exhibited, he termed a "Rose-Cancer." Moved by such a combination of ills, and ever alive to the sufferings of those who fought the battles of our revolution, the Lady bestowed on him alms, which rendered him eloquent in thanksgiving, and ordered him some dinner. As she retired to her parlour, Cuff following said in a suppressed voice, "He been here afore, Ma'am. He no more lame, than I lame."

Returning, and scrutinizing him more closely as he partook of his repast, she recognized in his face, half covered by the large cap which concealed his wound, some resemblance to a recent applicant. "Were you here, a short time since?" she inquired. "No—God bless your soul, Ma'am," answered the man, rapidly. "I never see your blessed face till this day," regarding Cuff with eyes inflamed with anger. Beulah then spoke,—"three weeks ago yesterday, he come here, walking on two legs, without any hurt in his head, or Rose-Cancer." "Put a spoon in your calabash-mouth, and see if that will keep down your false tongue," said the beggar, in his hoarse, natural voice; forgetting the melancholy notes, to which he at first set his articulation. Hastily seizing the pack, from which he had unharness'd himself, that he might more