The morning times., 1896-05-31
Boys
Saved
BY 7. {. HARBAUGH.
Copyright, 1885,

During the memorable winter when the
British army held possession OF Philadelphia,
while the little force under Washington
Ehivered under the leafless trees that sur
rourdeG their cherries cantonment, some
OF the most exciting scenes OF the Revolu-
ton took place.
One Saturday night in the heart of the
winter faint but eager rappiDg was
beard at a certain door in the Quaker
City, and a boy who was at the time the
sci" occupant Of the room spraug up and
opened 1t.
A man stood on the threshold, but the
moment he saw the youth he drew back
anG looked frightened.
rs this Mistress Blacks house?' he
asked in a moment.
" es, sir; but mother is not at home.
She is visiting a sick sister 10 Germantown,
and father"
Il know where your father is, boy"
and the man at the door touched the
lads arm. Il saw him but the other
day, and"
Come in, come in" interrupted the
boy. ''If you saw father you must have
come from the American army"
behind him.
That is not all. They are locking for
me!'' he exclaimed. 1T is q terrible thing
10 be hunted by the kings soldiers in Phil
adelphia.''
Hunted? Why do they want you 50
badly If YOU are only Soldier OF the Ameri-
can army?"
\ strange expire SSiOn came 10 the man S
face aud the boy did not resunc.
He understood. The stranger was a
hunted spy, and, pursued by the enemy,
had come 10 the house for shelter.
Footsteps passing the house at that mo-
ment sod the soldier TO start and Allan
pushed him toward a closet IN one corner
or the room.
Its dark and there are rats in it," he
said, with a smile as he opened the door.
Into the CiOset-quiCk! I'll dc the rest,
never you fear
II.
Allan shut the door and turned away.
For moment the fun Importance oi
what he had just done took poss ession
OF his mind and he realized the danger
in which lie had placed himself But a
few DAYS before in front OF Independenrc
Hall ne had read 4 large poster which
called attention to the fact that numer
Gus American spies We're in the habii
of entering the city, and d reward was
Offered Tor the arrest OF any one, or OF
any person who harbOred them.
Allan and young friend OF his own
age, a shoemaRers son, had read the
proclamation in unison, and had agreed
that, while it was extremely dangerous
TO have anything TO do with American
spies, they would not refuse shelter 10
any one who was hard press eddy the enemy
The boy thought OF this now and u
glance al the closet door strengthened
his resolutions
Il will tell Gilbert and We will put our
heads together thought he.
In a lutte while The two boys entered
the room with the closet and Allan said
They have tracked him 10 the mouth
Of the alley. They know that father is
with Washington, and they may search
the house before they give him up
The last word had hardly left the boys
tongue when a loud knocking was hea rd
and the youths exchanged looks.
They are here, - said Allan in a whisper
I'VE must save Washngton's spy, Gilbert -
Allan crossed the room and drew back
the bolt The next moment the door
was burst open and the scarlet uniforms
OF five British soldiers We're seen.
Their leader was a tall and stalwart
sergeant known all over the city as Ser