The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1891-10-23


ness; what desire 60 ask you is-are
you a daughter of liberty?'
"Why, really, captain, the master
hasn't decided''-
s'But you have" interrupted the cap
tain, land you wish the English were at
the bottom of the sea! You saw that
brig try to shoot away my topm'st?''
SIT was dirty trick, sir, if it's the
blow you mean"
The captain tore leaf from his pock-
etbook, and wrote few lines upon it.
''Mrs. Van Buren," said he, "can you
ride horse?n
Indeed, few better, sir; my own
horse, Black Ned, in the stable there''-
General Putnam is in Brooklyn; this
slip of paper must be put in his hands
to-night!'
Lords mercy!" cried the hostess.
And are we going to have another bat
tle'
81 will read it,
"'MY DEAR GENERAL:-Can you have
me exchanged, and at once?
"'MARRINER.'
The captain bestowed significant
glance upon the lady, who took the bit
of paper and thrust it into her bosom.
Without the loss of moment, the wo-
man assumed her good mans corduroy
coat and, taking lantern to the stable,
aroused and saddled Black Ned. The
rain began to fall in torrents as she arose
to the saddled and cautiously directed
the horse across the turf to the opening
in the woods. Then, tying the reins to
the saddle, she "shone" the lantern over
the animals head and urged him to
gentle canter in the direction of Brook
Ign.
The sun was up when Van Buren, (who
had prudently passed the night in the
British camp, returned to the Cross
Keys, accompanied by an aid-de-camp of
the British general. On leading the
horses to the stable he was intensely
surprised to find Black Ned stretched
upon the straw, his appearance indicat-
ing that he had been ridden in the storm.
Upon asking his wife (who was already
bustling about her work. for an explana-
ton of this phenomenon, the good lady
folder her arms and replied: ''Mr. Van
Buren,, that's a state secret"
The officer was discussing broiled
steak when Shelton entered the bar On
the table lay an official note, the contents
of which gave the major little surprise
1t ran as follows: eve have acceded to
the terms of proposed exchange of
prisoners, just at hand, and you will at
once release from custody jeremiah Mar
riner. (Signed) Clinton, Commanding"
Ere the captain quilted the precincts
of Flatbush he contrived to deliver his
thanks to his fair messenger.
st was terrible ride" she said, ''but
l had companion coming back. And
now tell me, captain, why you are so
anxious to leave u.s."
"Ah, madam" whispered the priva-
teer, your house is excellent, but so is
my song of The Yankee Sword'-and
I've resolved to make the major sing it!'
One dark night, shortly after the
events described, as the buxom landlady
of the Cross Keys was industriously bit
ing the edge of a suspicious siXpence
preparatory to placing it with the rest of
her honest days "takings," she was
startled by gentle rap at the door.
who's there?" she asked.
"The thirsty crew of the pirate ship,
Falcon mailing from New Brunswick
replied cultural voice.
"Why, if it amt Captain Marrinerw
exclaimed the hostess, flinging open the
door.
"Hush, my lass!" grunted the captain.
"Old man in his bunk?''
: YES"
Him, too?'
yes"
"Chairs and tables under the trees?"
"Oh, yes"
Here, boys, go out there to the table.
No noise, mind!"
The men did as directed, and Captain
Mariner, after a few whispered words
with Mrs. Van Buren, (Which seemed to
afford the lady immense pleasure, picked
up lantern and went upstairs. When,
after lapse of a few minutes, he reap
peared he was accompanied by tall
gentleman, clad only in his night-robe,
who carried boot in one hand and a
wig in the other.
"This way, major said the captain,
pushing him out of doors.
major Shelton on the table for a
song" came in unison from the trees.
Now, my dear captain-ha! hal ha!
Good! Very good!'' said the shivering
soldier. but don't sing at all, you
know; really, don'tv'
Pm afraid" whispered the captain,
"the men are desperate dogs, so you'd
better better mount the table without
more ado, and give them The Yankee
Sword"
mount the table-like thisl l cannot
i will not do such a thing?"
Click! went the locks of dozen pis-
tolls, and dozen voices shouted, as be-
fore, ''Major Shelton on the table for
song!"
splendid shots, those fellows" wills
pered the captain.
"Oh, this is dreadful! And such a
barbarous high wind, too! Surprising l
run upstairs and get my small clothes?"