The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1898-02-16

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words / have given you, and don't fail
to hasten back to this inn. L shall be
here and waN 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
animation 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: Shell do"
And much more than Maggie knew
depended upon her success that day.
In general way she knew that Maj.
Tallmadge was in command of a band
of cavalrymen who were securing the
region and endeavoring 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, 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
DESTROYS of gaining some information
that day in the winter of 1777, 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 girl of 1G 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
10 ho nj u bop nd OF
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.
sOnly eggs, is it? Well, my mess
wants eggs, and I'll buy them ALL
Indeed, sir, / cannot sell you all, .
replied Maggie, ''for portion are prom
ised."
DOUBTLESS promised to Mistress
JONES'" laughed the man, brutally.
Somehow all the pumpkins sell to her,
though I have my doubts as to what
she buys"
II can let you have two dozen," 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.