Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1898-02-17

words have given you, and don't fail
to hasten back to this inn. 1 shall be
here and wait for you.''
Maggie Hickok lifted the basket OF
eggs, and carrying it upon her arm at
once left the tavern and started on her
walk to Philadelphia, five miles away
Her step was light and an air of deter.
mination was so manifest in her bear
ing that the major nodded his head in
approval as she disappeared up the
road, and said to himself as he reen-
tered the house: She'll do"
And much more than Maggie knew
depended upon her success that day
In general way she knew that Mai
Tallmadge was in command of a band
of cavalrymen who were securing the
region and endeavoring to gain such
Information as could be had concerning
the British forces in Philadelphia.
Maj. Tallmadge had done his best
and had gained much information,
which was of value to Washington; but
there had been special warnings sent
him of late that the boys he had sent
into the city were suspected. These
boys had gone apparently with produce
to sell, but somehow they always con-
tinued to enter certain houses before
ell their wares were disposed of, and a
few peculiar words never failed to
bring a strange response from the pur-
chasers, a response which was borne
to the waiting major, and quickly for
warded to Valley Forge.
The rumors which had come that his
troubled him of late, but he was very
DESTROYS of gaining some information
that day in the winter of HIT, for
strange reports of the contemplated do
ings of the enemy had been scattered,
and Maj. Tallmadge was eager to veri-
fly them before he reported to the COM
mander. His fear of sending some boys
or men disguised as countrymen with
produce had prevailed, however, and at
last he had persuaded the mother of
Maggie Hickok to consent to her MAX
ing the attempt. And Maggie was will
ing to try, for her own father and broth
er were at Valley Forge, and she could
see no good reason for a girl of 16 to be
entirely idle when the men were en-
gagged in such desperate struggle.
The girl trudged on with her basket
on her arm, thinking far more of the
peril before her than she did of the
muddy road along which she was walk
ing or of the biting air of that winter
day. Occasionally she met men who
looked keenly at her, but no one spoke
till she was near the city. y band of
a half-dozen relocated men were
standing by the roadside, and as she
approached her heart almost stood still
as she heard one of them say: Here's
another one of the produce dealers.
What have you for sale, my wench?"
he added, as Maggie came nearer.
only eggs" replied Maggie, boldly,
although her face was almost as white
as the snow by the roadside.
"Only eggs, is it? Well, my mess
wants eggs, and I'll buy them ALL"
Indeed, sir, l cannot sell you ALL
replied Maggie, for portion are prom
ised."
Doubtless promised to Mistress
Jones'" laughed the man, br"&aIIy.
Somehow ali the pumpkins sell 20 her,
though I have my doubts as 30 what
she buys"
II can let you have two dczen," re-
piled Maggie, boldly, placing her bas-
ket on the ground and beginning to
count out the eggs as she spoke. 1t
was better to appear willing to deal
with the men than to increase their
suspicious by striving to pass.
NAY. nay, wench. 1 want not thy
eggs. 1 spoke in jest, for 1 was afraid
that you, too, might be one of those
country people whom the rebel Tall
madge sends into the city with strange
wares for sale. You may pass in safety,
and doubt not that You will readily
find purchasers, for fresh eggs are not
overplentiful at present"
Maggie again took up her basket and
resumed her journey, not daring for
several minutes to glance behind her;
but when she did look back her fears
were not allayed when she saw that |
they were all watching, and apparently |
talking of her and her errand. Realiz-
ing the need of increased caution, Mag |
gle passed on, and soon stopped at sew |
eral houses, where she easily disposed |
of a portion of her burden. Declining |
to part with them all, for each pur-
chaser desired TO gain the contents of |
the basket, she pushed on until she en-
tered the street where Mistress Jones |
lived. No one was in sight and she ran
quickly up the steps and lifted the |
heavy knockcr.
She had hardly given the summons,
when she saw a relocated soldier APP |
pear on the corner of the street, and |
stoE and gaze curiously at her as she |