Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1898-02-20

SsSSsgW Very well, then.
 EN Remember tn e words l have given you, and don't fail to hasten back to this inn. 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 lmination was so manifest in her bear ing that the major nodded his head in approval as she disappeared mp the road, and said 10 himself as he reen- tered the house: Shell do."
 And much more than Maggie knew depended upon her success that day. In a general way she knew that Maj. Tallmadge was in command of band of caya1rymen who were securing the region and endeaYoring to gain such iEformation 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 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 produce dealers were suspected had troubled him of late, but he was very desirous of gaining some information that day in the winter of TIT, 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 mak- ing the attempt. And Maggie was will ing to try, for her own father and broth CT were at Valley Forge, and she could see no good reason for 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. A band of a half-dozen relocated men were standing by the roadside, and as she 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, cannot sell you all, :" replied Maggie, flor portion are prom ised."
 Doubtless promised to Mistress Jones'" laughed the man, brutally. Somehow all the pumpkins sell to her, though have my doubts as to weat she buys"
 q can let you have two dozen" re- piled Maggie, boldly, placing her bas- l1et on the ground and beginning to count out the eggs as she spoke. It was better to appear willing to deal with the men than to increase their by striving to pass.
 Nay, nay, wench. I want not thy eggs. I spoke in jest, for 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 ia safety, and doubt not that you will readily find purchasers, for fresh eggs are not oyerplentiful 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