Gloucester County Democrat. (Woodbury, N.J.) 1878-1932, 1894-04-26
JENNIE's RIDE.

During the Revolutionary war there
was strip of land in Westchester coun-
ty, N. Y, called the neutral ground II
was so named because it was not held
by either the American or British army,
but lay between them, forming COM
mon foraging ground for both.
Near the center of this famous neu-
tral ground there lived widow, gentle
Mrs. McNeal, and her pretty 15-year-
old daughter Jennie The father had
been as brave as he was honest and sew
eral times had laid down his farming
implements to take part in the Indian
wars that at an earlier period had dew
astated the land of his adoption. He
was an intense American, and had not
his career been brought suddenly to a
close by the common enemy-death-
just on the eve of the battle of Lexing-
ton, he would doubtless have laid his life
on the altar of his beloved country, a
willing sacrifice.
Jennie not only inherited her fa-
ther's patriotism, but his fearlessness as
well, and she and her mother, refusing
the advice of friends to move into a
more protected section, remained in the
home that love had provided for them
unmolested by friend or foe until two
years of strife and bloodshed had passed
away.
Though gentle and loving to her
friends, there was plenty of fire in Jen-
nie's black eyes, and those who were
evil disposed knew that she would not
hesitate to use her fathers old gun,
which hung high up on the kitchen wall,
should it become necessary for her own
or her mothers protection.
One dark, rainy night late in Novem-
Der, after the evening work was finished
and she and her mother had settled
themselves for a pleasant hours chat,
there came loud knocking at the outer
door. Jennie ran to draw the bolt, but
before she had time to raise the latch
the door was thrown open, and in walk
ed dozen or more dragons. That they
were British soldiers their stained and
muddy red coats plainly showed, but
withal they were gentlemen, fact
MGs Mash nSf qg5 aaE auk g a%sGtsd and
safe in their presence. The leader, called
by the other soldiers Captain Long,
bowed courteously and in respectful
tone asked for something to eat saying
that they would pay for all the trouble
they made And then he added: please,
madam, be as quick as possible about
placing food before US, for we have to
ride 10 miles to catch Colonel Adair of
the rebel army, who is at home for the
night. Hurry up now, my pretty lass, "
he continued, turning to Jennie. He
is lucky chap if he slips me this time,
and you shall be well paid if you give
us lift by Fastening us ON our jour-
ney."
Jennie went to the kitchen to help
her mother apparently as unconcerned
as if the gray haired colonel was alto
gether unknown to her. But for all that
her heart was very heavy, for next to
her mother the brave old warrior was
the best friend she had on earth. Her
father had fought by his side, and once
on the fieldRof battle he had saved that
dear fathers life.
He had taught her how to row and
ride and shoot, and since her fathers
death he had looked after her mother
and herself with as much interest as if
they really belonged to him. She must
save him at any cost, and while she
worked her brain was busy with schemes
to accomplish her purpose. As soon as
the redcoats were seated at the table,
without word even to her mother,
who OWNED her object, she slipped out
of the back door, and running down to
where the horses were feeding she
sprang upon the captains fiery steed
and in moment was galloping down
the hilly, rock strewn path, needless
alike of storm or darkness She had not
dared to wait for cloak or bonnet, and
whenever the ragged lightning cleaned
her long black hair might have been
seen streaming out behind her.
Her flight was not discovered until
the dragons were ready to mount, and
then began chase for life or death
Soon from the mute hills over which she
had passed Jennie heard the clatter of
hoofs in hot pursuit, but she had chosen
the captains gray, the swiftest fier
among the steeds, and for miles the dis
tance between her and her pursuers in
creased rather than diminished. On and
on she sped, fire flying from the rocky
road as the gray horses iron shoes
clashed along at a fearful pace.
More than half of the distance had
been covered when far in the rear came
a command, loud and stern, Halt, or
your blood be on your headi"
''On, on, brave beast--on for your lifel
Don't fail me nowp' cried Jennie,
stroking the horses foaming neck with
coaxing hand
''Haltp' again came the voice of
dread. Halt, halt, or take the risk of
losing your life''
No answer being returned, a volley Of
leaden bullets ratified after her. They
passed her as the maddened flight con-
tinued, screaming to the right, scream
ing to the left, whizzing over her head
like SO many harmless birds seeking for
shelter from the nights storm.
With PRAYER of Thanksgiving on her