The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1893-03-30

more than 4 century ago, that an
American soldier galloped in hot haste
along the public road in the state of
Pennsylvania, finging back to the SEN
tries on duty the watchword of the
day. To this he added in tre1nolo of
haste these words:
1.-THE British are advancing; they
have sent detachment in pursuit-de-
lay the'p all you can-they are under
the protection of flag of truce, but
III cheat them YETI" and he was gone
like the wind.
handsome lad. and brave one,
wearing the insignia of an officer in
the American army; slight of form
and fair of face, but showing daring
energy in every motion.
Suddenly the horse he rode swerved
aside and vaulted a low fence into a
large barnyard. His master instantly
dismounted, leaving the tired animal
to find it's own way into the comfort
able stable. Turning his steps towards
the house, he entered the old-fashioned
kitchen. An OLD negro woman was
blowing live coal she held in a pair
of tongs into a flame, at which she
might light candle.
Good evening, auntie. Are you all
well?'
The old woman dropped coal and
candle, and giving one frightened look
at the youth, cried, in trem bling voice:
Fob de Lawd's sake, Marse Allan,
what you done come outen like dis
yeah?''
''Hush," commanded the young off.
cel, Il am in great peril! Where are
my mother and Molly?"
sin yander, Marse Allan, an done
reckon they cotch awful scare wen
they see yoh comm" But the young
man was gone to the living room,
where on a low settee IN front of q
pleasant wood fire an elderly lady lay
gazing sadly into the flames.
''Mother!''
She started wildly and half rising
threw her arms about his neck with q
glad cry, as she asked, anxiously:
'What brings you here, my son? Is
there truce?'
NO, mother; I am on my wa Y to
Gen. Howe with important dispatches.
A detachment of British troops cut me
off, but escaped and rode home on
Hero, who has not scratch. They
will not let those dispatches go through,
if they have to kill me to get them. !
must not stay. Where is Molly?"
Here" said glad, clear voice, full
of music, and a pretty girl with mer-
ry, sunshiny face, on which shade Of
anxiety was visible, came from the
back of the room. II saw you ride in,
and knew you needed help, and have
already planned something for you.
Now tell me, Allan, how much time
have you?"
II hope until day break, but am no,
fully sure. What dread is that they
will disarm our sentinels, and post
their own along the route. There is a
contingency in pursuit commanded by
the British captain, Pierrepont, who is
as brave as a lion. and he has sworn tc
have those dispatches. Now for you,
plan, sis Is it practical?"
II am not sure yet, but hope so.
What evening is this, Allan? Have YOU
forgotten"
''Oh, of a surety, it is Easter eve, but
sad one for you, my poor girl-for all
OF US. But what has that to do with it?'
Molly whispered with him moment
then the two partly admitted the
mother into their counsels. 1t wa.
Molly, however, who managed it all
and who took her brother upstairs fo1
final consultation. Leaving hin
there, she came down and said gayly
to her mother:
LAS it is Easter eve, I propose t.
have some music after tea On the har
monium. And mother, if you care not
what say you to having our Easte
eggs for supper. instead of at to-mor
rows meal? Eggs do not keep we'll il
these troubled times. and our Domin
icks have done themselves credit. W.
will not permit the enemies of GU
country to feast second time on sue
delicacies.' -. . O.
''Molly, can you have the heart TO
Easter sports when Allan is in sucl
peril? Methinks, girl, you are merr,
and not wise"
Mother" she said, gently, Twill 70
@ not trust me? Allan has trusted nj
with his life, more, with his honor. D
not question me or anything do be
tween this and morning, for have
terrible responsibility laid on m
shoulders. Our Lord give me strengt
". to carry it through. .s..~M
!. s.You are good girl, Molly" sal
the mother. who was an invalid an
weak. Il will not ask you aught more
Only" she added, little bitterly, ID
~ not let me be beyeaved of both my Chi
: dren. I could not bear that
sit is to save them both, Mistres
Mayo. that I am laying my plans. No