The true northerner. [volume] (Paw Paw, Mich.) 1855-1920, 1886-07-08
A PLUCKY GIRL.
by CAPTAIN JAMES MoNTFoRD.


Colonel" said the worthy's wife, as he de-
clared his inability to furnish story for
that evening.
"You have already heard that, which is
no adventure of mine, by the way, or at
least played very unimportant part"
cts so long since heard it that the cir
cumstance has escaped my memory" re-
turned the lady.
The Colonel acquiesced and said:
at is a pretty story enough; but the hero
tne did not consider me III the least, l can
promise you. Did you never think how
seldom an adventure crosses the path of a
married man? They are either shot dead,
and there is nothing to tell, Or"
Perhaps the actors keep the story to
themselves, l suggested, "for fear of more
adventures at home.
well, / was party in the affair." if not a
principal, and the matter is as follows:
There was young man, whom | will
call Frank Tooke, III my regiment He
was the nephew of n farmer dwelling in
Missouri near the place where | was To-
Gated at that time.
Frank had entered the service without
his uncles consent, and, indeed, against his
inclination; for the old gentleman had
'learings in the contrary direction.
"His distaste was not so strong, however,
but that he invited the story teller to ac-
company Frank to the farm house TO tea.
Il refused twice or thrice; but as the
Farmer continued his solicitations, at last
appointed day, and accompanied by
Frank, rode over to the farmers house.
1--WE were well received, and everything
done to make the visit pleasant; but rs it
contains nothing remarkable l shall pass it.
'But one object of my observation was
the young woman who displayed SO much
energy a few hours later
"She was the daughter of a neighbor, and
as / soon supected from several glances
1 witnessed between Frank and herself, she
had been invited by Mr. Tooke's daughters
60 meet their cousin.
"She was pretty girl, with dark hair and
eyes. bright and good natured. AS | sat
alone with Frank for a few minutes Just
before shutdown, he told me all about her,
and something that seemed to interest him
above the rest-she was his promised wife.
$50 far the visit was fair as could be de-
scribed; but misfortune was gathering, and
soon after night set in it descended.
1T was warm evening,and the windows
of the sitting-room, opening out upon a
long veranda, had been raised to admit the
air
ave were seated quietly listening, be-
Sieve, to the mistress of Franks affections
while she played rollicking war tune upon
che antiquated organ, when l happened to
turn toward the windows, and saw a sight
that brought me upon my feet immed-
lately.
"A large, bearded man stood upon the
,veranda looking into the room. He held
long rifle in his hands, and as / rose pre-
sented it at my head.
." No resistance" he said, harshly, and
stepping in through the window, was fol-
lowed by half a dozen men.
"All was excitement and alarm The
women screamed, and old Mr.. Tooke
swore; but it was all of no use.
al had been warned before coming to the
farm house that n detachment of Hide
brands bushwhackers were lurking in the
neighborhood, and at once concluded that
I had fallen into their power.
They had surrounded the house, and es-
cape was impossible. Frank and myself
were soon bound to our chairs at the mercy
= of the rascals.
They did not attempt to plumber the
ihouse. Perhaps they had some respect for
Mr.. Tookes principles, but nothing he
could say prevailed upon the fellows to re-
lease their prisoners.
81 heard that after the first burst of ex-
- itement was over Miss Brady, Franks be-
strothed, seemed to become strangely COM
posed.
She whispered a few words in the ear of
Mr.. Tooke, and then left the room.
TIE old man came up to the leader of
the gang and invited him TO partake of a
cold collation. and some liquor he had that
.,day procured.
"This offer was accepted ut once. and the
outlaws were very merry for half an hour
so long as the liquor lasted--but they were
careful to have guard upon us, and no
opportunity presented itself for our escape.
AT last they prepared to leave the house,
and We were led into the yard and mounted
upon pair of poor horses behindtwo pow
'erful rufians.
"The band rode off at a good pace, which
was kept up until we arrived at thick
wood upon the bank of a river, five miles
from Mr.. Tookes residence.
"This seemed to be the rendezvous of the
gang, for fires were smoldering and few
camp utensils were scattered about upon
.the ground.
"Dismounting, the horses were picketed,
and the marauders prepared to turn in for
,the night.
Blankets were furnished us, but we were
, not in a condition to court sleep with any
succeSs.
Mercy was an article TO be expected
from the gang only so long as il suited their
inclinations; they were liable to drag us to
execution at the least alarm.
Guards we're st around the camp, and
soon all was quiet.
IAN hour or more dragged away. You
may imagine how pleasant / felt with the
prospect of meeting miserable death in
The morning.
disgrace was certain Mt least, for would
DE carried away into the mountains, far off
from my command. The prospect Of re-