Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1894-04-27
MiscellauenMs.
JENNIE'S RIDE.

During the Revolutionary war there
was a strip of land in Westchestor coun.
ty, N. Y, called the neutral ground. II
was so named because il was not held
by either the American or British army,
but lay between them, forming a com.
mon foraging ground for both
Near the center of this famous neutral
ground there lived widow, gentle Mrs.
McNeal, aud her pretty l5.year-old
daughter Jennie The father had been
as brave as he was honest aud several
times had laid down his farming imple-
ments to take part in the Indian wars
that at an earlier period had devastated
the land of his adoption, He was IN
intense American, and had not his career
been brought suddenly to close by the
common encmy--death--just on the eve
of the battle of Lexington, he would
doubtless have laid his life on the altar
of his beloved country, Il willing sacri-
fee.
Jennie not only inherited her fathers
patriotism, but his fearlessness as we'll
and she and her mother, refusing the
advice of friends to move into more
protected section, remained in the home
that love had provided for them I'M
molested 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 IRE 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 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 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
cd dozen or more dragons That they
we're 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 respectful
tone asked for something to eat. saying
that they would pay for all the trouble
they made. Aud then he added :;
please, madam, be as quick as posi-
Bile 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 prot
ty lass" he continued, turning to Jen-
ME 'He is lucky chap if he slips
me this time, and you shall be we'll paid
if you give US a lifs by fastening US on
our journey"
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 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 il
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, slipped out oil
the back door, and running down 10
where the horses were feeding she sprang
upon the captains fiery steed and in q
moment was galloping down the billy,
rock -strcwn 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 fight was not discovered unit
the Dragons were ready to mount, and
then began chase for life or death
Soon from the mute bills over which she
had passed Jennie heard the clatter o
hoofs in hot pursuit, but she had chosen
the captains gray. the swiftest file
among the steedS, and for miles the dis
lance between her and her pursuers in
creased rather than diminished. On an,
on she sped, fire flying from the rock,
road as the gray horses iron shoes clash
ed along at fearful pace.
More than half Of the distance ha
been covered when far in the rear cam
command, loud and stern, Halt, O
your blood be on your head y
"On, on, brave beast--on for you
life Don't fail me now !" cried jennie
stroking the horses foaming neck wit
coaxing hasd
Halt !" again came the voice