The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1888-12-12
for tbe CHILDREN.
A PIucky Ride.

foraging party from the British camp
in Philadelphia made descent upon
the farm of Major Rudolph south of
that city. Having supplied themselves
well with provender, one of the soldiers
happened to espy valuable COW in the
lane leading to the barn yard, and poor
Sukey was Immediately conilscated.
Now this COW happened to be the
pride of the farm, and was claimed as
the exclusive property of Miss Anne
Rudolph, aged twelve years. OF course
no other animal on the estate was so
important as this COW, and her cOnfisca-
ton by the soldiers could not be toler-
ated. So Miss Anne made an impetuous
dash for her recovery, but finding the
men deaf to her entreaties and the SER
geant proof against her indignation,
the spirited child rushed to the stables,
saddled her pony and was soon gallop-
ing toward the city, determined to APP
peal to the commander-in-ch of the
British army.
Meanwhile, poor Sukey trudged
along, her reluctant steps quickened
now and then by gentle prick with
the point of bayonet in her we'll
rounded side.
To reach the city before the foraging
party was the one thought of the child,
as her pony went pounding along the
old Chester road at pace that soon
brought her within the British lines.
She was halted at the first outpost by
the guard, and the occasion of her
haste was demanded. The child re-
piled:
81 must see the general imme-
diately"
" But the general cannot be dis
turbed for every trife. Tell me your
business, and, if important, it will be
reported to him."
&C 1t is of great importance, and can
not stop to talk to you. Please let &C
my pony, and tell me where to find the
general"
"But, my little girl, can not let you
pass until you tell me whence you came
and what your business is within these
lines"
/" came from Darby, and my bust
ness is to see the general Immediately
No one else can tell him what have
to say"
The excitement of the child, together
with her persistence, had its influence
General Washington was in the neigh
borhood, with his ragged army watch
ing the opportunity TO strike another
blow for the liberty of the colonies
The officer well knew that valuable
information of the movements of thu
rebels frequently reached the British
commander through families residing
in the country. Here might be such {
case and this consideration determined
the soldier to send the child to head
quarters. So summOning an orderly
he directed him to escort the girl t
the general.
1t was late in the afternoon by thi
time, and CORVALLIS was at Dime
with number of British officers, whel
ga little girl from the country with
message for the general" was an
nounced.
" Let her come in at once" said tn
general, and few moments later Mis-
Anne Rudolph entered the great tent.
"Well, my little girl, l am Genera
Corvallis" said that gentleman
kindly. "What have you to say to me?'
I" want my cow!'
Profound silence reigned for mo
ment, then came a burst of laughte
from all the gentlemen around tn
table. The girls face Redeemed, blu
she held her ground, and her set fea
lures and flashing eyes convinced tn
general that the child before him wa
one of no ordinary spirit.
With ready tact, the general drey
from her narration of her grievance
Why did not your father Gomez" h
asked.
"My father is not at home"
" And have you no brothers?"
" Both of my brothers are away
But, general" cried she impatiently
"while you keep me here talking the
will kill my cow!"
"So-your brothers also are away
Now, tell me, child, where are they?"
" My oldest brother is with Genera
Gates"
"And your other brother, where
he?" inquired the general.
is with Harry Lee"
The girls eyes fairly blazed as sh
spoke the name of gallant Ligh
Horse Harry Lee" "But, General,
want my cow!'
"Ah, ha! one brother with Gate
and one with Lee. Now, said the ger
eral severely, Where is your father?
He was with General Washington,
answered the little maiden; " but he
prisoner now"
$50, so. Father and brothers all i
the Continental army! l think, ther
you must be little rebel"
eyes, sir, if you please. But l war
my cow!"
Well, you are brave little CIR
and you shall have your COW and some
thing more, too" Then, STOPPING fol
ward, he detached from his garters
pair of brilliant knee buckles, whic
he laid in the child's hands. "Tak
these" he said, "and keep them to re
member that Lord CORVALLIS can az
preciate courage and truth even in
young rebel" Then, calling an Of
derby, be instructed him to go with tn
child through the camp in search of tn
cow, and, when he should find the al
imal, to detail man to drive her HON
+. again. So Miss Annie returned HON
in triumph with her COW. And thos