The leader., 1898-02-16

MEN kAM/ for you. go
FsAZ very wsr.f 5sn.
~" Remember I h e
words / have given you, and don't fail
10 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
animation was so manifest in her bear
inc 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 Maj.
Tallmadge was in command of band
of cayalrymen who were securing the
region and endeavoring to gain such
isformation as could be had concerning
the British forces in Philadelphia.
Mai. 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-
tinusd TO enter certain houses before
ell their wares were disposed of, and
few peculiar w6rtfs never- failed to
bring a strange response from the pur-
chasers, response which was borne
- the waiting major, and quickly for
warded to Valley Forge.
The rdmors 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 contemplat ted 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 lHckok 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 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 a 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: 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?z Well, my mess
wants eggs, and I'll buy them ALL"
Indeed, SIR, l cannot sell you sall."'
replied Maggie, ''for a portion are prom-
ised.' 19~
Doubtless promised to Mistress
: aoness laughed the man, brqtally.
Somehow ali the bumpkins sell 30 her,
though l have my doubts as to what
she buys =.
4 gan let YOU have two dozen," re-
phed Maggie, boldly, placing sl,er bas-
Aet 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 t6Spass.
Nay, nay, wench. l. want not thy
Eggs. spoke in jest, for was afraid
mai yau,- TOO, might be one of those
sSountry people whom the rebel Tall
madge sends into theeity with strange
wares for sale. You may pass in safety,
pasl doubt not that you win readily
naa purchasers, for fresh eggs'are not
.sverplentiful at present. ~
maggie again TOOK up her, basket and.
resumed her journey, not daring for
several minutes'to glance behind her;
ou' when she, did look back her fears
we're not allayed when she say that
.ney were all watching, and apparently
saiking OF her and her errand. Realiz>
ing the feed ofincreasedc aution,, Mag
sN passed on, and soon. stopped at sew
- sal houses, where she easily disposed
:. portion of her burden Declining
~ part with them all, for each pu-
.uaser desired TO gain the contents OF
.pe basket, she pushed on until she EN-
ssiea the street where Mistress Jones
na su' NO one was in sight and sherah
lucky lucky up the steps and. lifted the
heasy knocker.
que had hardly given the summons.
na nen she saw RELOCATED soldier np-
rar on The corner OF the street, and
0p and gaze curiously at her as she
aa vou before the door: She was in a
ad.' .r o. excitement when the servant
@. ~ her, and she said:
! would see Mistress Jones. have
w ,JIe eggs for sale, and, perhaps she
VII buy" -
ns; Doaotless she viii that !" replied the
ran gut It win not be necessary for
~ s e see her. 4 aan. pay YOU, apd
h he started from the han as If 10 gef
xo, nay. nay" said Maggie. quickly. Il
ssls rsa ceai with Mistress Jones her
I'm. ns servant made no response AZ she
fsr su % seek the mistress. endfn. q
ossr. ns'as's< Mrs. Jones EtTseI3 az,