The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-06-16

"Run for your horses! There's a
rescue party comingp'
The men who were saclling the house
instantly ran out in panic, leaped the
fence, and rushed down the road to
where their companions and horses
were concealed.
With no definite plan, but trusting
to some favoring opportunity to as
sist his father to escape. Hancomb
was first to reach the men with the
horses. He jumped upon the nearest
horse, and seized the bridal of that
upon which his father sat, gagged and
bound. g.
'"Forward" shouted the captain.
"Prisoner to the 'front.'"
Away they swept down the dark
highway toward the city OF New York.
They had gone but q short distance
when the captainsspurred his horse to
the side of the miller, and seized
the bride opposite to the side upon
| which Hancomb rode. A fear that he
was discovered thrilled through the
boy.
''Here, you'll" said the captain.
"See that you keep q tight hold on
this bride, and watch the prisoner
hands. If we are overtaken, shoot
him on the spot rather than let him
escape
LET me alone for, that" growled
Hancomb, in disguised voice. 'I'd
like to see the corn-husking rebel es-
cape!'
With no suspicion OF the hidden
meaning in the supposed troopers
reply, the officer satisfied that the
prisoner had q jealous guardian,
dropped the bride, and with a growl
at the moon, which was Just breaking
through the clouds, rode forward.
HandcOmb now felt secure from dis
covery as long as the general panic
continued. He pretended to examine
the millers bound wrists, and repeat
ed loudly what he had replied to the
captain: "Td like to see you ESCAPED"
The prisoner turned toward his
brave son, and the flash OF recogni-
ton shone in his eye. But he said
nothing.
Fast and furious they sped away,
the sparks from the horses hoofs
flashing like flight of tiny meteors in
the darkness. Now and then, as they
scurried past roadside farmhouse,
white-robed figure would be seen at
window, wondering what mischief
was abroad.
At the top of a hill the leader called
halt, to listen. But no sound Of
pursuit was heard.
"We've shaken them off," said the
captain, with glee. "Forward!"
IL, thp onnfI, ~, 0f Tho 70 ,4,,
halt, Hancomb had leaped to the
ground, put down his head to avoid
recognition, and busted himself with
the trappings of his horse. At the
word "F'orwardp' he rose and the keen
blade of his knife cut through the rope
binding the captive's hands. At the
same time ne saw that his father
bestrode one of the stolen horses.
Hancomb's position was becoming
more hazardous. Now the leader,
feeling secure from pursuit, advanced
to the head Of the party.
BY adrOit manHuvering the Dem
arrests had dropped somewhat to the
rear, when a weird sound-now faint,
now deep and hoarse&rose above the
hoof-beats. 1t was familiar to the
patriots, but appalling to the troopers.
They drew rein and silently listen
Ing in confused and widely separated
group.
Now they were near where stands
the present village of Tenahy, near
deep forest-lined gorge, in which there
is a succession of waterfalls called the
''Caulders," leading up to the Hud-
son Palisades Hancomb saw that
the opportunity for escape had come.
The moon was now hidden, and it
was quite dark.
"Now!' Hancomb whispered.
They had managed to face I'D the
road: The miller dashed his horse
with his beltstrap, and dashed for
ward. The captain was between him
and liberty, but only for an instant,
for blow from the miler's brawny
fist sent the leader reeling from his
saddle
There was chorus of yells from the
astonished group Of troopers
"After him boys!" shouted the SER
CANT. "He's broken the captains
head. Take him alive, and we will
roast him for this!'
"I'll take. him alive, or die in
the attempt" exclaimed Hancomb.
And before those who were
not assisting their leader could recov-
err from the sudden confusion, he gall
loped after the fugitive.
Soon he was close behind his father.
The miller, who had snatched off the
gag, turned to his son. =,
Hancomb," said he, 1--WE never can
keep up this pace; and if we do they
will shoot us when we pass back near
them round the bend in the road
ahead. We must take to the marshes
till the troopers pass, then climb the
slope to the old Indian trail on the
top Of the Palisades." ...'....
Eyes; it's our only chance. They're
after u.s."
AS the moon broke through the
clouds, the crack OF pistol mingled
with the hoof-beats. Hancomb was
doubtless suspected. ...... a,
Another shot! The hat of the Young
patriot rolled in the dust. A shout
went up from the troopers as he was
seen to fall forward, as though struck
by the bullet. But he had merely
thrown himself upon the horses neck
to shield himself as muca AS possible.
Next moment the bend in the road
was nn sod -...- .'.-...- 49, -.