The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1891-10-28

Certainly she was not beautiful, nor
was she clever beyond ordinary, nor re-
msrkabie in any way. She was only
shy little girl, whose best frock was
homespun and whose best bonnet was
Of striped calico. And her home was 8
two-roomed log cabin, with plain, rude
furniture, that her own father had made,
and few homely articles that they had
brought from Pennsylvania when they
moved out TO the new land Of Texas. But
for all these commonplace surroundings,
she was heroine.
Her name was Maggie Hunter, and the
cabin home was on the banks Of the
Brazos river, which, as you know, flows
to the sea through Southern Texas. 1t
had been q very happy home. in spite Of
the many perils that lay in wait about
it; for this that am telling you Of took
place in 1896, the darkest year the young
State had known, and in addition to the
wild beasts whose cries could be heard
every night as they prowled about the
cabin, and the syer-present fear Of yell
ing Indians, was the meRscing Mexican
foe from across the Rio Grsnde, who re-
penting having opened this fair territory
to the settlers, now oppressed them with
every device that tyrrsny and hatred
could suggest
But, as I said, Maggie's home had been
a happy one, made 50 by cheerful toll
and loving duty, till the father had been
called away to Join General Houston He
had gone with heavy heart, leaving his
little household unprotected, save for
the musket that hung upon the wall and
toward which the mother glanced many
time day, or, waking in the night, took
down and placed beside her bed. News
came now and then Of dreadful mAsss-
cres and desperate battles, and the dark
spirit of anxiety and trouble broOded
over the little home, for it was often i'm
possible 10 hear who had suffered in
these terrible events, and weeks would
sometimes pass ere assurance Of the vel
fare Of the beloved reached them.
One April evening little Maggie stood
pressing her small grave face against the
wooden shutter that closed the window
in the front room Of the cabin and trying
to watch the stars through the chinks-
Her mother moved about the inner room
preparing the simple evening meal, and
the younger children slept peacefully in
their little bed Of sweet, dry prairie
grass.
Suddenly Maggie gave cry Of terror.
Mrs. Hunter, with startled face, tore
down the musket from the wall and
rushed to the outer door, but a voice that
they recognized as Captain Hunters re-
assured them, and joyfully drawing the
bolt the thankful wife admitted the
weary, mud-stained soldier.
so l frightened you, little daughter"
said Captain Hunter, as he kissed Maggie
and drew her within his arms. Il only
thought to peep in at you, not expecting
to see these big eyes peeping out at the
same chink."
Maggie laughed for very pleasure to
have him back once more, and stood
watching him with proud though fright
ened ewes as he told them Of the wonder
ful things the handful of patriots had
done against the thousands Of Mexican
soldiers pouring over the border to en-
force q tyrant's DEGREES. and her heart
thrilled as he told Of General Houston's
gallant deeds and dauntless courage
The mother, though listening as eager
ly as Maggie, busted herself in setting 3
meal before her husband, and would
have had him remove his heavy boots
and muddy clothes, but he declared he
could tarry but an hour.
Il must 20 then on an errand to the
troops that lie at Harrisburg" and his
face clouded over with such anxiety that
his wife FASTENED TO his side
He did not answer her look OF inquiry,
but drew his little daughter closer to
him. and turning her wistful face up to
his own, said;
Can Maggie be a brave girl for her
father?"
She faItered little as she answered,
but her eyes were true and fearless.
Il can try, father. What is it l must
dor
"You must 20 at midnight, or as near
the hour as you can guess, and fire the
heap Of brush that lies upon tie rivers
bank, close to the big pine"
@But why cannot go?" said the moth
er. her face paling at the thought OF the
child's going through the night on an
errsnd so full of peril.
Because you must 90 when l do TO the
upper ferry to warn the bostmen there.
Get ready, wife, for there is no time to
spare. ride in the opposite direction,
but we can start together"
Maggie gave = gasp and the color for
sock her cheeks. Was she to be lei IN
the cabin alone till midnight, when she
must 20 through the dark wood TO the
riverg
my child" said Captain Hunter, with
the tenderness the truly brave always
have for the weak and faltering, are you
50 afrzid9 Then you shall not so; but
unless the signal be made hundreds ol
brave men will 90 to almost certain
death. for the Mexicans, as l rode hithel
to discover, lie in ambush not far Of fol
their coming. l intended to IRE tbs
| - -.-aaIf hr,t On the way l Learner