The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1895-05-01

1 =
already killed. You are going to bear
them to Mistress Van Tyne, who dwells
this side of the town they are New
Years dinner from thy MOTHER His
voice failed from weakness, and my
mother held hot drink to his lips be-
fore he went OH.
Zone thing, my daughter; should
You he halted on the way, and should
they strive Ia take the ducks, give up
the white one with q show of resist
ance, bat hold 10 the black one with
life and Wit
"And why the black one, fatIler?s" |
asked.
''The papers are in its craw.n
being tOoamazed at this to speak.
"Should you find no trouble, and
should you meet with one OF our own
commanders, give him hepaper or the
duck, and tell him straightway what
have told you. Should no one meet or
molest you, ride on to Mistress Van
Tyne's, near by the town. Tell her all,
and that t is pressing needful that the
black duck be sent on TO General Wash
inSton. 1 know not where you may
find any of our men six hours hence.
Keep but your keen, your wit clear,
and Your trust i'm Col. Go, now ~ /
kissed my father and went, as he bade
me.
''The pass, which may be of use to
thee, is stitched in the crown of thy
hood, lest the wind blow il away" said
my mother, kissing me. She followed
me with lantern, as | went out and
mounted General George.
1t was very dark and cold and my
mother held my hand closely for an
instant, and then went in and shut the
door. There was no sound as General
.cantered down the lane, saving here
and there the faint bark Of a dog, and
always the echo of the horses hoofs on
the frozen ground. | knew that he
must not go too hard at the first for
both lie and would need the speed and
exercise when it grew colder, ~ il soon
! did. ! felt ii but little for some time,
so mufiied was by the comforter
Indeed, at cocks crow ! marked two
women going toward their barns with
lanterns; but they would not have
known me, and remembering | was
about business ofmoment / made no
sign. Now and then felt the saddle
pockets TO be certain OF the safety Of
the ducks, and Of the bag Of feed which
mother had tied on for General.
or the long, lonely ride in the dark
ness my Aunt Lois says but little.
think she must have been bent too
seriously on her errand 20 feel actual
fear, although once she speaks of being
startled for an instant by scarecrow
in field (which did come upon me
suddenly" She continues:
''The way was all alike save that as
rode became more and more stiGand
tired but l feared to get down lest
some one should come suddenly from
ambush and steal the ducks. Mile after
mile did General and travel before the
first summons TO halt which was about
daybreak. The sudden stopping broueh
my heart into my mouth. had turn
ell a corner and come upon clearing
against a bit of woods. There was
small fire, and some men around IT,
Another did walk sentry-like to and
fro. Twas he who bade me halt; He
scanned me most curiously, and then
laid his hand on Generals bride.
''Goa are my prisoner mother so
disnountr' quo,h he, very superior
ike.
''Nay, nay good sir" said duelzing
a courtesy IA well rs one may on horse
back al have often heard tell how
that the brave British would fight only
their equals or superiors in strength,
whereas old women and children are
by right left unmolested."
Truly said, mother" quoth he
laughing. "You bear at least a ready
tongue, bat you may be bearing more
than your tongue, for aught know.
Whittier would you ride at this hour
and alone?"
go alone because | know each stick
and stone of the way, good sir; aud j
go for that bear a pair of ducks for
Mistress Van Tyne as New Years
gift from our farm"
lie shook his head, and the men near
10y began to gather around, while my
heart did sink lower than the ground
on which General was paving. But al
the instant two horesenlan appeared
oat of the woods. One rode rapidly up
and drew rein before me, and mark
ed that he was fair and we'll built, with
honest blue eyes and fearless of niiep.
"Whom have we here" he asked.
"a prisoner sir" said the man at
Generals head.
"Nay, good sir" quoth l "for /
have n pass permitting my family to go
to aud from the town with supplies.
But t is stitched in the crown OF MY
hood So would might remove My
hood, good sir, and prove it thee y
At this the young officer laugheS,
and said he, al am sorry, mother, to
have you remove your hood in the cold;
but it needs must be unless you Become
nay prisoner before instead of after
ward ~
"Nsy, nay," "quoth | "I would fam
remove my hood, then for have had
that off before, but have never yet
been prisoner of warp So dropping
the reins on Generals neck, IunwOund
the comforter The air felt most graf te-
ful to my head, which was warm, and
my face flushed; and as | pushed the
hood back my hair did tumble all about
my neck in troublesome confusion,
and the soldier who had cried "Halt y
exclaimed aloud:
''By my sword, It is las "'
The officer made sign toward n I'm,
and as looked up he bowed, his. own
face being-quite flushed, and said:
''You will pardon me, fair Mistress,
for mistaking your age''
'Surely sir,'t was the fault of the
hood and comforter quoth meeting
| bis frank hlne eyes n | handed him