The Press., 1894-06-28
,JENNIE'S RIDE.

During the Revolutionary war there was strip of land ill Westchester coun- ty, N. Y., called the neutral ground. It 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 sev- eral times had laid down his farming implements to take part in the Indian wars that at all earlier period had dev- astated the land of his adoption. He was an intense American, and had not his career been brought suddenly to 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 we'll, 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 %o foth n11 which hung high up on the kitchen wall, should 1t 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 ill 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 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 a 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 oi the rebel army, who is at home for the nIDht TJr1 1occ he continued, turning to Jennie "He is lucky olap if he slips me this time, and you shall be we'll paid if you give us 8 lift by hastanire- UJU 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 father s 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 8 word even to her mother, who divined 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 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 gleamed 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 a chase for life or death. Soon from the mute hills over which she had passed Jennie heard the chatter of hoofs in hot pursuit, but she had chosen the captains gray, the swiftest f1ier 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