The herald., 1893-10-31
JOHN WENT BACK.

Two fertile farms lay side by side on
the road between the village of Fridge
town (now Mount Hdlly) and Burlington
in the year 1775.
Reuben Most and John Grigg were
still wont to consult one another con-
cerning the affairs Of their respective
farms.
So by the same process Reuben Most
and John Grigg found themselves when
the necessity arose shouldering Conti-
mental muskets together.
1t must not be supposed. .forsooth, that
Reuben and John were chlldless and
alone simply because no mention has
yet been made of anything to the con-
trary. Patty Most was as fair an 1S-
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 q son, to the other daughter,
and that the lifelong friendship of the
fathers should find even a stronger tiein
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
q giant mug of home brewed ale.
At the period when the tale begins
Patty Most was a demure little country
beauty a trifle over 18 years of age, and
John, Jr., was q sturdy youth month
Younger Up to this time there had been
but small need for the manifestation OF
their fathers desire concerning a 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 Reuben's l&nds,
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
and done, and when the name of John
Grigg, Jr., should stand high upon its
list of heroes.
''Oh, Joan, don't go to the horrid war"
exclaimed &Sltty impulsively. I'm 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 a great man,
and then you'll be glad l went"
The same day Patty and her mother
accepted an invitation extended by the
girls arnt, who lived in the village of
Bridgetown, to make their home with
her until the return Of Reuben. So, leav-
ing the farm affairs in charge of an old
man, who was too far advanced III years
to be of service in battle, Mrs Most ard
Patty went to live with Mrs. Milford
Ia the village until the happy day when
the war should end.
Mrs. Milfords house stood on Main
street, not far above Garden lane, upon
the 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-
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 soacoast to Boston invaded
Bridgetown for some unknown reason
and proceeded to quarter themselves
upon the startled residents.
Those of the troops who violated the
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 thss her house afforded.
Major DSrrond chose as the drill ground
Che main street Of the village, that being
greater in width than any other. Upon
this street stood Mrs. Milfords 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,
it passed the Milford mansion, and now
it 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 a second story
window few open, and from out the
window was thrust an American flag. \
bonny head appeared just behind it, ana
the accents of shrill, girlish voice rang
out:
''Hurrah for the Americansw
The company stopped like fash.
ARREST that womanw thundered the
major.
A dozen soldiers ran to fulfill the order.
The window was qUchly thrown down.
fastening the flagstaff down and holding
it in position, where it continued to gce'-
tly wave defiance to the Tory throng
low.
Meanwhile Patty had heard the order
for her arrest and ran like the wind
down the rear steps, through the plat Of
ground at the rear Of the house and out
into Garden lane.