The Middleburgh post. [volume] (Middleburgh, Snyder Co., Pa.) 1883-1916, 1893-08-10

until he slept peacefully. Dorothy
found her way in the darkness to the
kitchen, where she lighted candle
and sat down to wait.
A soft rap at the door made her start
and then brought q smile OF expecta-
ton to her face. A moment later
stalwart young man held her in his
arms He looked little like the officer
he was il one were 20 take the poor
clothes he wore as criterion OF judg-
ment, but the pale, earnest, firm face
bespoke the soldier in no doubtful
terms.
"Did you think me long time COM
ing, my dearp"
'I only feared they might capture
you. All was right?"
"Yes."
He had braved the danger Of being
captured and hanged as n spy 20 spend
an hour with the woman he loved. Six
years before he had been one of the
wealthiest of the young men Of Phila-
delphin. Now his fortune was all gone
for the cause Of liberty. In silence he
pressed his sweetheart close TO him and
lifting her face looked into il earnestly.
Two hours had elapsed before she
bade him go, lest daylight should still
find him in the city. As she drew away
from his embrace she took the little
black bag lying upon the table and
gave il to him. There were 900 gold
sovereigns in the bag for the starving
soldiers at Valley Forge. Once more
he drew her into his arms and kissed
away the tears that were in her eyes.
There was u tramp of feet outside,
the door was rudely opened, and a red
coated officer appeared Mt the door.
az apprehend you as a spy" he said
gruffiy. Behind the officer half a
dozen bayonets glistened.
Come on, sir 1 am at your service.
He drew his sword out from under his
faded coat and faced them with deter
mination.
General Washington was resting his
head upon his hand and gazing at the
fire and Mistress Washington was sew
ing button on the Generals great
coat when Colonel Jeffries was an
nounced.
$50 you are going TO spend the
night with the enemy, Colonel"
II am, sir" said the young man who
stood before him, hat in hand, "and
tomorrow night I shall return with
something substantial"
"I understand it is a woman who is
helping you"
ayes, sir"
81 must remind you Tint women are
bad"
At this Mistress Washington looked
up in surprise. General" !" she said,
warningly,
'Some women, I mean, my dear"
he continued rs he reached across the
table and took her hand in his own.
Women are the worst spies we have
to deal with. / cannot let you go on
this mission until am sure that tf re
is no danger"
"There is none, sir" was the con-
fident answer" "A
= "You may go;; saiti washington,
after a moments pause. "May you DO
successful"
After the young man had passed out
the General turned to his wife.
/ "If it were not for the courage of
such men rs Colonel Jetfries l should
almost cease to hope"
Jeifries had no intention Of being
captured alive. He had raised his sa-
Der to strike at the officer and the muz-
zles of the guns were pointed at his
face. The officer now spoke III con-
ciliatory tone.
I'VE will take you before the Gen
eral. II nothing discriminating is found
upon you we can Mt the most only hold
You as n prisoner.
81 am no spy; but l prefer death to
Imprisonment.
Dorothy threw her arms around his
neck.
"Let them take you," she begged.
al pray you do. l know General
Howe, and l VII plead with him for
your release. So, for my sake, for my
sake"
He hesitated moment and then an
swered with an effort and in tone al
most inaudible, "For your sake will.
Here, gentlemen, is my sword"
Lord Howe had been drinking until
long after midnight with some of his
generals, and he felt that half mile
walk in the frosty air might ease the
pain in his head which made sleep I'M
possible. When he saw q group Of
men accompanied by woman pass out
Of the gate in front of Merchant Me-
Farlane's house, curiosity quickened
his step.
"HGltl" Lord Howe commanded
when he was almost upon the men in
the rear. The officer turned about
quickly with 'Who dares-- /" which
was changed to an obeisant bow as he
recognized his general in chief.
Miss McFarlGne, this is strange
company and strange time of night