Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1886-07-24
A PLUCKY GIRL,
BY CAPTAIN JAMES MoNTFoRD.

"Relate your experience rs q prisoner,
Colonel" said the worthys 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 q very unimportant part"
ITS so long since heard it that the cir
cumstance has escaped my memory" re-
turned the lady.
The Colonel acquiesced and said
ut is pretty story enough; but the hero
inc did not consider me in the least, can
promise you. Did you never think how
seldom an adventure crosses the path of q
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, l was party in the affair." if not a
principal, and the matter is as follows:
There was young man, whom l will
call Frank Tooke, in my regiment. He
was the nephew of farmer dwelling in
Missouri near the place where was To-
Gated at that time.
Prank had entered the service without
his uncle's consent, and, indeed. against his
inclination; for the old gentleman had
leanlngs 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 ten.
II refused twice or thrice; but as the
farmer continued his solicitations, at last
appointed a day, and accompanied by
Frank, rode over to the farmers house.
1--WE were we'll received, and everything
done to make the visit pleasant; but as il
contains nothing remarkable shall pass it.
"But one object of my observation was
the young woman who displayed SO much
energy few hours later.
"She was the daughter Of a neighbor, and
as l soon supected from several glances
witnessed between Frank and herself, she
had been invited by Mr.. Toeke's daughters
to meet their cousin.
"She was pretty girl, with dark hair and
eyes, bright and good-natured. AS I 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.
so 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-
lieve, to the mistress of Franks affections
while she played rollicking war tune upon
the antiquated organ, when I happened TO
turn toward the windows, and saw 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 I rose pre-
sented it at my head.
"'No resistance" he said, harshly, and
stepping in through the window. was fol-
lowed by half dozen men.
"All was excitement and alarm. The
women screamed, and old Mr.. Tooke
swore; but it was all of no use.
II had been warned before coming to the
farm house that detachment of Hide
brands bushwhackers were lurking in the
peighborhood, and I at once concluded that
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
house. Perhaps they had some respect for
Mr.. Tooke's principles, but nothing he
could say prevailed upon the fellows to re-
lease their prisoners.
Il heard that after the first burst of ex-
element was over Miss Brady, Franks be-
trothed, seemed to become strangely COM
posed.
"She whispered few words in the ear of
Mr.. Tooke, and then left the roo pm.
The old man came up to the leader of
The gang and invited him to partake of
cold collation. and some liquor he had that
dav procured.
This offer was accepted at once, and the
outlaws We're very merry for half an hour
30 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 We're led into the yard and mounted
upon pair of poor horses behind two pow
erful ruffians.
The band rode off at good pace, which
was kept up until We arrived Mt IA thick
wood upon the bank of river. five miles
from Mr.. Tookes residence.
'TLis seemed to be the rendezvous of the
gang, for fires We're smoldering and few
camp utensils were scattered about upon
he ground.
Disappointing, the horses were picketed.
and the marauders prepared to turn in for
the night.
Blankets were furnished u.s. but we were
not in q condition to court sleep with any
success.
"Mercy was an article to be expected
from the gang only so long as 1t suited their
inclinations; they were liable to drag us to
execution at the least alarm.
"Guards were set around the camp, and
soon all was quiet.
IAN hour or more dragged away. You
may imagine how pleasant 1 felt with the
prospect of meeting a miserable death in
the morning.
Disgrace was certain at least, for would
be carried away into the mountains, far off
from my command. The prospect of re-
lease was small, for there was no exchange
of prisoners with the guerrilla band.
"But suddenly heard slight noise at
my side. We lay at the foot of a tree,
wrapped in our blankets, side by side. By
the smoldering light Of the fire I saw a
hand appear from behind the tree.
at rested upon Franks shoulder, while
voice said
"'Be quiet-help is near
"The young fellow started violently, his
lips parted, and 1 feared he would alarm
the foes.
"But he choked back his establishment,
and soon recognized the speaker as Miss
Brady.
"'Are your hands free?' she asked in
whisper, '''' =