The Monticellonian., 1898-02-18

TSe@sI Very well. then.
 ~1 Remember tn e words 1 have given you, and don't fail 10 hasten back to this inn. I shall be here and wait for you"
 Maggie Hiekok 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 imination was so manifest in her bear ing that the major nodded his head in approval as she disappeared up the road, and said 10 himself as he reeu- tered the house: Shell do9
 And much more than Maggie knew depended upon her success that day. In general way she knew that Maj. fallmadge was in command of q band of cayalrymen who were securing the region and endeayoring to gain such iEformation IS could be had concerning the British forces in Philadelphia.
 Mai. Tallmadee 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 Unto the city were suspected These boys had gone apparently with produce 10 sell, but somehow they always con tinued To enter certain houses before ell their wares were disposed of, and few peculiar words never failed 10 bring a strange response from the par tchasers, a response which was borne 10 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 desirdS of gaining some information that day in the winter of l17f, for strange reports of the contemplated do- ings of the enemy had been scattered, and Maj. Tallmadge WIS eager 10 veri- fy 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 Hiekok 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 10 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 ar 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 approached her heart almost stood still as she heard one of them say: Heres 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, fs it? Well, my mess wants eggs, and I'll buy them all.
 "Indeed, sir, I cannot sell you all replied Maggie, flor portion are prom ised."
 "Doubtless promised to Mistress Jones" laughed the man, Drutally. Somehow all the pumpkins sell to her, though 1 have my doubts as to what she buys"
 q can let you have two dozen" re- piled Maggie, boldly, placing her bas- llet 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 suspicious by striving to pass.
 Nay, nay, weneh. l want not thy eggs. spoke in jest, for I was afraid that you, too, might be one of those country people whom the rebel Tall madgt tserds into the city with strange waresDor sale. You may passin safety, and I doubt not that you will readily find purchasers, for fresh eggs are not overplentiful at present
 Maggie again took up her basket and resumed he~ journey, not daring for several minutes 10 glance behind her; put when she did look back her fears were not allaved when she saw that they were all watching, and apparently