The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-10-22
JOHN WENT BACK.

Two fertile farms lay side by side on
the road between the village of Bridge
town Now Mount Holly and Burlington
in the year ITS.
Reuben Most and John Grigg were
still wont to consult one another con-
corning the affairs of their respective
farms.
So by the same process Reuben Most
and John Grigg found themselves when
the necessity arose shouldering CONT
mental muskets together.
1t must not be supposed, forsooth, that
Reuben and John were ohildless and
alone simply because no mention has
yet been made of anything to the con-
trary. Patty Most was rs fair an 49,
year-old slip of girl as one would care to
feast his eyes upon.
Reuben and John had many years ago.
long before the birth of Patty, confided
to one another the hope that one should
be given son. to the other a daughter,
and that the lifelong friendship of the
fathers should find even Il stronger tie in
the union of their offspring.
When, shortly after the girl was born.
therefore, Johns buxom spouse duly pre-
sented him with an heir, the two old
friends renewed their pledges over many
giant mug of home brewed ale.
AT the period when the tale begins
Patty Most was demure little country
beauty trife over 1S years Of age, and
John, Jr., was sturdy youth month
younger. Up to this time there had been
but small need for the manifestation of
their fathers desire concerning n mar
riage between them.
On the evening before the departure of
the men young John walked down the
cowpath, jumped the boundary fence be-
tween his fathers and Reubens lands,
and strobe up through the meadows to
his sweetheart's home.
The parting with her was Johns worst
trial. Even this, however, was softened
by his anticipation of the glory which
would cover him when the war was over
Ind done, and when the name of John
sh5rigg, Jr., should stand high upon its
list of heroes.
."Oh, John, don't go to the horrid war!'
exclaimed Patty impulsively. ''Im just
certain you'll get killed!'
"Pshaw, Patty!' said John as he put
his arm around her, "don't be little
coward. I'll come home great man,
and then you'll be glad went"
The same day Patty and her mother
accepted an invitation extended by the
girls aunt, who lived in the village Of
Bridgetown, to make their home with
her until the return of Reuben. So, leav-
Ing the farm affairs tp charge of an old
bSSti tobG tS,oS 20 Co, oT,,1Eo "a l., .,o..
to be Of service in battle, Mrs Most and
Patty went to live with Mrs. Milford
in the village until the happy day when
the war should end.
Mrs. Milford's house stood on Main
street, not far above Garden lane, upon
Che corner of which two streets stood
the even then old Friends meeting
house, where the mistress, who was a
member of the society, was wont to wor-
1. ship ON First days.
About four weeks subsequent to the
- Two Johns and Reuben's departure a
company.of British troops en- route from
the Atlantic seacoast to Boston invaded
Bridgetown for some unknown reason
and proceeded to quarter themselves
upon the startled residents.
1HOSo VI "tuo troops WHO VlOlaCeQ Cn6
privacy of Mrs. Milford's household
were three young officers. That dame
did well for her involuntary guests, set
ting before them the best to eat and
drink that her house afforded.
Major Derrond chose as the drill ground
the main street of the village, that being
greater in width than any other. Upon
this street stood Mrs. Milford's house,
directly in front Of which the British
company would be forced to pass. This
Patty noted with secret satisfaction.
Out marched the British column, pass
ing and repassing with absolutely cor
rect unanimity of motion. Twice, thrice,
lit passed the Milford mansion, and now
lit was about to do so for the fourth time.
A minute more and the center of the long
line was exactly opposite the house.
Suddenly the shutters of second story
window few open, and from out the
window was thrust an American flag A
Donny head appeared just behind it, and
the accents of a shrill, girlish voice rang
out:
''Hurrah for the Americans!"
The company stopped like flash.
ARREST that woman" Numbered the
major