Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1876-05-04
THE REBEL RANGER.
A Tale of0ne Hundred Years Ago.
BY col. PRENrIsa INGRAHAM.
Hat who comes? friend or TO

Hithor you HHe, my HBe Fellow.
The challenge was given in the
discipline voice of a sentinel, who
stood on the corner of street in
New York city, at time. when the
British held possession, for I am
writing of one hundred years ago,
kind reader.
The night was rainy and rough,
and the cold wind howled mournful-
ly down the deserted streets, for few
wayfarers we're out - only those
whom duty called abroad.
The answer to this challenge was
in ringing, stern voice, the tongue
tinged with Indifference, and the ap.
pearance of the man that Of one in
authority it would seem.
Though rather nettled by the re-
ply to his challenge, the sentinel re-
piled with respect, for be knew not
whom be might address.
'Yon must halt and give me the
countersign sir
sAnd suppose l an unable to recall
the word for the n!ght-what then?'
The voice of the speaker had a
certain naughty ring that the English
sentinel feared betokened one who
was a commander endeavoring to
test him as true soldier, and having
made up his mind on this score he
said, abruptly.
Il should hold you prisoner, if you
were the general himself
The words were hardly out of the
man 8 mouth, before the cloaked form
sprang forward, a well directed and
stunning blow felled the sentinel to
the ground, and his musket was
twisted from his hand.
1t was then but the work of a mo-
ment to bind and gag the unconsci-
GUS man, and transferring his heavy
hat aad coat to his own head and
shoulders, he took up the musket and
stood 'on gaurd.
The form of the Englsh soldier
lay back in he shadow of the build
ing, between which and the pave
ment were several feet in space, used
az grass plot.
Like true sentinel he paced his
beat, the rain beating mercilessly
down upon him, and eagerly be
scanned the street up and down.
sHa!-hcre comes some one-now,
good fortune, aid mel he cried, as a
tall. 'cloaked form was visible, COM
ing with soldierly tread up the
gloomy street.
Halt who comes there?' rang out
the stern challenge of the self-ap-
pointed sentinel, and in q decidedly
military voice came the reply,
'Friendr
advance, friend, and give the
countersign,' and the sentinel dropp-
ed his bayoaet to level with the
breast of the approaching man.
HALL the countersign!' he added,
as his bayonet was almost touching
tho stranger.
LaFay
sPass!' and the musket was brought
to present; for be seemed to recog-
nize 10 tho cloaked form some officer
of rank.
As soon as the officer had passed,
the hat and coat were thrown aside,
and STOPPING over the PROSTATE sem
tinel the daring man said quickly.
Now, my fine fellow, you can re
sumo your coat and hat--upon one
condition.
and that is asked the soldier,
sullenly.
That | pass on unmolested--holdl
see wonder corner? Well, L will
leave your musket there, and when
YOU see me pass, come and get il;
then resume your duty, and for
your own sake keep dark about my
having gotten the password, and |
certainly shall not look up an yone
to tell them about it,
So saying the stranger walked on
to the corner, deposited the musket
there, and at rapid pace continued
on down the street.
With the OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
he safely passed dozen sentineis
and at length entered the shrubbery
grown yard of stately and elegant
mansion. situated near whore Old
Trinity Church now stands.
Ascending the stone steps, he
knocked at the door, and e negro 10
livery attended, and upon catching
SIGHT of the stranger, started back
with surprise and apparent fright.
Hold! James, raise no alarm said
the stranger, quickly.
sLor' ha' marcy, Massa Norris,
your life don't wort muffin of the
sogers sees you
Then you had better let me come
into the house, James
Oats so-come right in.
A moment after the stranger who
had so daring!y disarnsed British
sentinel and gained the countersign
of the city, disappeared within the
massive portal OF the mansion.
X X
"A short time previous to that
stormy night, when a stranger so
daripgly passed through line OF
guards, three persons were riding
rapidly towards New York City, up-
on a bright and pleasant afternoon.
| In advance rode an elderly gentle
man. with white hair and mustache,
and a noble looking face.
He was dressed 10 citizens attire,
and was nounted upon spirited
iron grey steed.
By his side, riding dark chestnut
mare, was maiden of perhaps eight
cen, attired in dark green habit
that fitted close to her faultless form.
Her face was SURPRISING beautiful.
and she rode with ease and fearless
ness.
Behind the two, whom, at g glance
were recognizable as father and
daughter. rode i. negro groom IN liv
cry, and as we'll mounted as were
| his master and young mistress.
/ Presently the party came TO 81
eminence. from which the distant
of,x, -,Das visihla and the gentleman