The Madison daily leader. [volume] (Madison, S.D.) 1890-current, 1894-04-25
JENNIE'S RIDE.

JENNlEO Ride.
During the Revolutionary war there
was q strip of land in Westchester conn.
ty, N. Y, called the neutral ground. II
was so named because it wa not held
by either the American or British army.
but lay between them, forming q con.
mon foraging ground for both.
Near the center of this famous neu-
trail ground there lived q widow, gentle
Mrs McNeal, and her pretty 16-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 III 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 Licking
ton, he would doubtless have laid his life
on the altar of his beloved country, a
| willing sacrifice.
Jennie not only inherited her IA
theirs patriotism, but his fearlessuess as
well, and she and her mother, refusing
the advice of friends to move into a
more protected section, remained in the
homo that love had provided for them
unnolested by friend or foe until two
years OF strife and bloodshed had passed
away.
Though gentle and loving to hen
friends, there was plenty of fire I'm Jen.
nie's black eyes, and those who were
evil disposed knew that she would not
hesitate to use her fathers old CUR,
which hung high up ON the kitchen wall,
should it become necessary for her
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 a dozen or more dragons. That they
were British soldiers their stained and
muddy red coats plainly showed, but
withal they were gentlemen, d fact
which Jennie's quick eye detected and
made her feel that helpless women were
safe in their presence. The leader, called
by the other soldiers Captain Long,
bowed courteously and in q 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 a lucky chap If he slips me this time,
and you shall be well paid If you give
rs a 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 field of 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 a 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 a moment was galloping down
the billy, rock strewn path, needless
alike of storm or darkness She had not
dared TO wait for cloak or bonnet. ana
whenever the ragged lightning cleaned
her long black hair might have been
seen streaming out behind her.
Her fight was D discovered until
the dragons were ready to mount. and
then began q chase for life on death.
the mute hills over which she
had passed Jennie heard the clattcr of
hoofs In hot pursuit, but she had chosen
the captains gray, the sw1ftest fier
among the steeds, and for miles the dis
lance between her and her pursuers i'm
creased rather than diminished. On and
on she sped, fire flying from the rocky
road as the gray horses iron shoes
clashod along at q fearful pace.
More than half of the distance had
been covered when far in the rear came
. command, 1ond and stern, Halt. cr
your blood be ON your headP'
sOn. on, brave beast-on for your lffef
Don't fail me nowf" cried Jennie
stroiing tie horses foanaing neck with
coaxing hand.
Edit" again came the voice az
dread. Halt. halt, or take the risk ar
losing yorri Lief
No aIswer being returned, avolley az
leaden bullets ratified after her. They
passedIhor as the maddened fight con.
tinncd, screaming to- the right, screaza-
- GGWI6 - LA EEXt II