172 THE BOROUGH OF THE BRONX 



him to appear again before the great personage, he was overcome 

 with timidity and after going a little way towards headquarters, 

 he turned about and ran home. The next morning he accidentally 

 met Washington, who, before the youngster could escape, exclaimed, 

 "Master Cortlandt, where were you yesterday?" The boy tried 

 to articulate an excuse. "Master Cortlandt," interrupted Wash- 

 ington with grave solemnity, "Mrs. Washington and myself ex- 

 pected you at dinner yesterday ; we waited a few moments for you ; 

 you inconvenienced my family by failing to keep your word: you 

 are a young lad, Master Cortlandt, and let me advise you, hereafter, 

 when you make a promise or an engagement, never fail to keep it. 

 Good morning, Master Cortlandt!" 



