Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1900-09-01
80. =. :-:--.-:-<3-.-3-&-
, SHE DABBLED
IN TREASON.
Observation-Disclosures

4-8-3-3-1-E-:- :-:-.-t-.>-.>
In the early seventies of the last con-
fury Il spacious country mansion. sur
rounded hy trees, stood near Ihiladel-
phia. owned by David brewster. Major
Clifford. a young British officer from the
barracks, was frequent visitor. Ann
Brewster dutifully played and sang for
the entertainment of her fathers friends,
but she was apt to be tired when God
Save the King was called for, else it
did not sun her voice.
Godfrey Wiglc also came often to the
house. Godfrey was one of Il score OF
young men comprising secret military
organization having its rendezvous at an
old meeting house on the outskirts of the
town, where they were wont to meet once
n week ito hatch up treason"
One evening at the Shrubbcry, when
the conversation ran upon military mat
tiers, Major Clifford exclaimed with evi.
dent glcc: MY orderly is hot on the scent
of a nest of traitors. They have the audac-
ity to hold their meeting within Il stone 5
throw of this house. We will bag the
whole covcy tonight, if l am = 1t mis-
taken. ! will send out a squad is soon
as ] get home"
"Thce had better not send too early"
suggested Ann. 1T might brighten them
away"
every true, Mistress Ann. That is a
wise suggestion. l will give them time
to congregate in full force and get at
their mischief"
The gallants made their adieus earlier
than usual, having such important bust.
ness in hand.
As Ann made her last courtesy the
smile left her lips. There was no time
to lose. Drawing on her plaid cloak and
pulling the hood far over her face, she
Slipped out through the south porch into
the darkness and walked swiftly along
the road to the old meeting house. She
raped softly on the thick oaken panel.
After a slight pause the door was opened
cautiously. She placed her finger on her
lips to silence the exclamation of sur
prise. Hist! There is danger. Break
up as quickly as possible. Your place of
meeting is discovered" They lost no
time in obcying But Godfrey saw her
safe inside her gate before they parted.
On the majors next visit to the Shrub.
berry he seemed trifle crestfallen.
GLOW did thee miss the game, ma jor?'
asked AIMS father.
"By means of n woman, sir, begging
the pardon of the ladies. My orderly
tells me that he saw a woman near the
church that night, and the meeting broke
up before my men arrived on the spot,
and they have not met there since"
GLOW did she discern thy intcntions?'
asked the older man.
perhaps she is witch" And the
major laughed heartily at his own joke
AT any rate, if we catch her at her
tricks again, she will receive scant cour-
tesy."
The young revolutioniSts changed their
meeting place to an unoccupied house on
the edge of the commons.
Yet it was not long before Ann heard
from them again, through King Georges
men at the barracks.
THAT nest of traitors has been located
again." remarked the major. well sur
prise them tonight and teach them what
it costs to plot treason"
AS the front door closed on her visitors
Ann slipped out, by way of the side en-
trance. and through the lonely cowpath,
across the field to the road beyond. Her
quick, imperious rap on the door was an
swered by Godfrey, who possibly guessed
who it was that knocked.
''Be quick" she cried, there is no time
to close, and avoid this road, for it
crosses the one that leads to the bar
racks"
May" he answered, 81 cannot leave
thee to go back alone in the darkness"
81 am safer So" the brave girl made
answer. than to be found in company
with a traitor. For that is the fine name
they have for such as thee"
As she neared the road leading to the
barracks, two men in ''the kings livery"
were waiting at the crossing.
"'Alt there!" cried one.
Her heart was in her mouth. But sum-
moning all her courage, "Why should !
haiti" she asked.
because it's hordcrs. You'd best come
halong with us. missus, without any
trouble"
Ann stretched out her arms for an in
slant to the blue sky above her and
whispered. Good Lord, deliver me from
the hand of my enemies" Then she
turned with her escort into the road lead
ing to the barracks.
Major Clifford and several of his broth
or officers We're in the messroom, smok-
ing, with their feet on tables and the
backs of chairs. AS the door opened and
the men entered on each side of n stately,
Sracelul WOlllan, Ill Il CLOAK OF DIRK Due
plaid, they instinctively lowered their
feet and stared in establishment.
Ere'S the lady as Uniformed on us"
answered the orderly.
Ann stood firm and erect, although
trembling in every fiber.
''Bc good enough to remove your hood,
madam" requested Major Clifford in a
tone of authority.
With a naughty gesture she threw it
back, giving the major one defiant look
from her flashing dark eyes before she
dropped them to the floor.
He sprang from his seat as if shell
had burst at his feet. ''There is surely
some mistake" he stammered. "You
have arrested the wrong person. Stand
back!' he cried to the men. mistress
Ann, allow me to escort you to your
home"
But Ann did not even touch the gold
lace sleeve with her dainty finger tips.
NAY, thee need not trouble. A woman
who is a traitor deserves to fare no bet
ter than a man." And with wave of
her hand she babe him adieu and set off
rlone across the fields.
But that was an end of the pleasant in
tcrcourse between the Shrubbery and the
barracks.-Springfeld Republican.