Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1859-10-06

earth; and as the Lord liveth, | DO no: +
Yes, yes. husband but will it be
prudent-will it be prudent ?" demanded
his wife, excitedlv.
Mr.. Kenton did not reply, for the
words of his wife recalled him to fuller
sense of his danger.
For my sake, husband-for the sake
of our child r ard Mrs. Kenton clasped
her hands before her husband" do not
be rash. If these are English soldiers
at our door, there may be number of
them, and then capture, at least, would
be certain"
But what other course is left me q de-
manded Mr.. Kenton, anxiously.
." Hide yourself till they go away!'
responded bis wife eagerly.
Where, that they MAY not search p
I" I'll find a place, if you will only con
sent"
"Andsif I should consent, what will
become Of sou and Matty ?" demanded
the patriot.
1.-THE Lord will take care of US, hus-
band, and We will trust in him |" respond
ed his wife, with nervous anxiety.
Mr. Kenton still hesitated. He knew
not what to do.
g Besides, husband, you will be near to
aid us if any danger threatens! !" added
the painfully anxious woman. /" But for
the sake of your family, till then hide
yourself"
The patriot gave way, for he could not
but acknowledge the business of his wife 5
position.
I'm bide me BY your wishes, wife" he
said reluctantantly, Though it goes
against my nature to hide away like a
Eskulking criminal"
!" Oil think not Of that, but only think
Of what is for the best!" responded Mrs.
Kenton earnestly.
All this conversation had been carried
on quickly, only consuming few minutes
time. Meanwhile, tire person or persons
outside had been hammering away at the
door in the most impatient manner.
In the back room, or sleeping apart
5ment, there, was large closet, or clothes
press, in which the mother and daughter
kept their wearing apparel. The clothes,
of course, hung suspended from nails, and
by little arrangement of the articles
Mr.. Kenton was so we'll concealed behind
them that no one would have detected
his hiding place without particular ex-
animation. With swelling bosom the
high hearted patriot followed the dlrec-
ton of his anxious wife. To be prepared
for any emergency, however, he kept his
gun by his side. -
At length the door of the closet was
closed. Mrs. Kenton and her daughter
the latter following the direction of the
former-then Invested themselves of a
portion of their clothing, so as to make
it appear that they had just gotten out of
bed.
To accomplish all this the candle had
to be lighted, but the glare had been con
siderably deadened by placing tin pan
over it. The door between the rooms
had also been closed, and every precau-
ton taken to prevent discovery.
:" But. mother, these may be friends at
the door after ALL" said the daughter,
meantime.
" 1t may be SO, my child" was Mrs.
Kenton's reply; but in such times as these
it is we'll enough to be always prepared
for the worst. At this time, especially,
with the British so near us, we cannot
be too cautious. But now, let US see who
knocks"
Rap! rapf rap fell upon their ears.
Mrs. Menton took up the candle, and
followed by her daug inter, repaired to- the
front apartment.
Who nocks r size dcman'ded, stopping
about the centre of the room.
Open the door and you'll see r was
the coarse and insolent answer.
1t iSslate for unprotected females to
open their house ~ rejoined Mrs Kenton.
"Open the door or we'll batter it
DOWN." was the savage response.
In moment, gentlemen"
Be quick if you will save your head =
Mrs. Kentons hand was upon the bar
when her daughter exclaimed,
These are British, mother F.
Eyes ~
God help US r.
"Amen p
"Must we let them in, mother"
"You see, my child, we must"
"Open the door there r was shouted
from the outside, accompanied by sue.
cession of heavy raps.
Mrs. Kenton took down the bar, and
the next moment the room was swarming
with English soldiers.
You'd better keep US waiting all
night!' wcathfully cried the officer in
commands sergeant-to Mrs. Kenton.
We were a-bed, and did not hear
you" responded Mrs. Kenton mildly.
You're liar !" shouted back the
sergeant, and if you tell any more such
tales Ell knock you down."
The brute drew. back his muscular
arm.
"Oh for Gods sake don't hurt nv
mother = suddenly cried Matty, spring
ing forward, and beseechingly clasping
her hands before the sergeant.