This appeal seemed to convulse George with inward agony , for he squirmed most effectively as he drew from his pocket a toy hatchet , which would not have cut a straw , then looking straight up into the awe-inspiring countenance of his parent , he bravely lisped , -- `` Papa , I tannot tell a lie . I did tut it with my little hanchet . '' `` Noble boy -- come to my arms ! I had rather you spoilt all my cherry trees than tell one lie ! '' cried the delighted gentleman , catching his son in an embrace so close that the fat legs kicked convulsively , and the little coat-tails waved in the breeze , while cane and hatchet fell with a dramatic bang . The curtain descended on this affecting tableau ; but the audience called out both Washingtons , and they came , hand in hand , bowing with the cocked hats pressed to their breasts , the elder smiling blandly , while the younger , still flushed by his exertions , nodded to his friends , asking , with engaging frankness , `` Was n't it nice ? '' The next was a marine piece , for a boat was seen , surrounded by tumultuous waves of blue cambric , and rowed by a party of stalwart men in regimentals , who with difficulty kept their seats , for the boat was only a painted board , and they sat on boxes or stools behind it . But few marked the rowers , for in their midst , tall , straight , and steadfast as a mast , stood one figure in a cloak , with folded arms , high boots , and , under the turned-up hat , a noble countenance , stern with indomitable courage . A sword glittered at his side , and a banner waved over him , but his eye was fixed on the distant shore , and he was evidently unconscious of the roaring billows , the blocks of ice , the discouragement of his men , or the danger and death that might await him . Napoleon crossing the Alps was not half so sublime , and with one voice the audience cried , `` Washington crossing the Delaware ! '' while the band burst forth with , `` See , the conquering hero comes ! '' all out of tune , but bound to play it or die in the attempt . It would have been very successful if , all of a sudden , one of the rowers had not `` caught a crab '' with disastrous consequences . The oars were not moving , but a veteran , who looked very much like Joe , dropped the one he held , and in trying to turn and pummel the black-eyed warrior behind him , he tumbled off his seat , upsetting two other men , and pulling the painted boat upon them as they lay kicking in the cambric deep . Shouts of laughter greeted this mishap , but George Washington never stirred . Grasping the banner , he stood firm when all else went down in the general wreck , and the icy waves engulfed his gallant crew , leaving him erect amid a chaos of wildly tossing boots , entangled oars , and red-faced victims . Such god-like dignity could not fail to impress the frivolous crowd of laughers , and the curtain fell amid a round of applause for him alone . `` Quite exciting , was n't it ? Did n't know Gus had so much presence of mind , '' said Mr. Burton , well pleased with his boy . `` If we did not know that Washington died in his bed , December 14 , 1799 , I should fear that we 'd seen the last of him in that shipwreck , '' laughed an old gentleman , proud of his memory for dates .
Much confusion reigned behind the scenes ; Ralph was heard scolding , and XXXXX set every one off again by explaining , audibly , that Grif tickled him , and he could n't stand it .
George Gus Joe Napoleon Washington cambric coat-tails crab laughers rowers