Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1900-06-08
BRAVE BETTY


on the steps Of humble cottage one
beautiful August morning in 1881.
The sun was just rising over the hills
Of northern Maryland and was send
los its rays into the peaceful little
village Of Westbrook.
Betty, Betty" called a shrill voice
from within the house.
What Is It mother3" she asked. as
she arose, and with reluctant steps
catered the house.
What were you doing out there on
the steps? The house1l be In fine
condition, I warrant, when get back.
You must DO the work and keep the
house tidy" exclaimed tall. severe
woman. as she tied on large black
svnbonnet and packed few tribes In
q somewhat worn travelling bag,
When will you be back mother?"
inquired Betty, as she pulled few
dead leaves from the bright flowers
In the window.
Il don't know, Betty" replied Mrs.
Brown. III I'm not back by to-mor-
row mornin' there's no tellin' when
ri get back Now be good girl,
Betty, and I'll bring you a new frock
for the fair. Goodbye" and hastily
imprinting a kiss on her fair dapgh-
ter's velvety cheek. the mother hur-
ried on
81 wish she wasn't going" muir
INJURED Betty, as her mothers figure
disappeared, itll be lonesome here
all by myself, but ! suppose they need
her at the hospital. II she comes
back tomorrow father will be all
II an1 ., N
girl shuddered.
Her father and two brothers were
enlisted under General Washington.
The night before they had received
q message informing them that the
father was wounded. Mrs. Brown
was hurrying to her husband.
Betty gazsd thoughtfully out OF the
window for some time; then she turn
cd to her household duties, saying
half aloud, I'll give this old house a
good cleaning. Dear mother has 10
much to do Then II I finish In time
I'll run over to Anne's and get her
10 stay over night with me-"
With this thought in mind Betty
went to work In earnest She work
ed hard all morning, and stopped to
get light lunch.
"Oh, dear!" she thought, as she
swallowed the last bite, will never
never get this old house cleaned p
Not till half past Ave did she finish
II was too late to go for Anne then
even II she wasn't so very tired. She
lay down on the grass to rest and
YEARLY closed her eyes.
She was Just about to fall asleep
when she heard the long grass that
surrounded the house rustllng as II
something was moving through II
She sat up and was very much fright
ened AZ she saw human form slowly
crawling through the deep grass to
ward her. She tried to scream but
couldn't, so she Just sat there and
with wildly beating heart awaited ia
see what would happen.
Presently the form arose and she
saw soldier with n very ragged
worn bun and blue uniform on. His
head was bound with bloody rag
and his uniform was stained with
blood and Betty could see that one
foot was terribly wounded.
Her heart slckened as she gaZed nj
INN, but she pitied him with heI
whole soul. All her fears vanished
one nhbLllJ w H'l
went toward the stranger.
His lips twitched and he sunk tt
the ground In vain no tried Il
speak, but his honest blue eyes plead
ed 40 well for him that Betty knel
down on the grass beside him.
What Ia III" she asked. eagerly
He shook his head. Betty ran int
the house and soon returned with I
bottle OF blackberry wine and loa
Of bread.
The stranger eagerly swallowed thu
wine, and before he spoke a wore
finished the loaf. Then no spoke 10
the first time.
Thank you" he said then speak
Ing in Il low. earnest tone. ARE you
Tory"
mo, indeed" replied Betty. I'm
not"
Very we'll then" he responds
with a slight smile. II can trust you
| am George Thorne, and am one o
Marion's men. am taking a mes
sage to General Washington but
met with some red coats, and the
were having some fun, target prat
tice. you see. They're pretty goo
shots, too" he added. with glanc
at his mutilated foot, and they sho
my horse, and I cant go any farther
The message is very important; ca
you help me out?"
Betty thought n moment COul
she trust this young fellow? Plair
ly no could not go himself Shout
she leave him at the house and =
herself7 What would her mothe
think II she should come back?
Can trust you" she asked.
ITO the uttermost," he responded
we'll, continued the brave girl,
you'll stay here aud keep the hous
for mo, and II my mother come
back tomorrow (she's at the hospiti
now, explain TO her, I'll take yot
meeaaRe TO General Washington"
He looked at her with ewes file
with tears Of gratitude. Then 81
tending his hand he said: You're
brave loyal American"
Betty hurried to the house an
brought out an old pair Of cTutche
her brother had used when he bFOk
his leg, and Thorne managed TO 20
to the house.
Betty dressed his wounds to tn
best Of her ability, and after a hast
supper ran 10 her room TO get
nights rest. she was TO start tn
next morning. She barred her dool
i, thinking, mo telling what kind OF
. man he 10. What q terrible risk ~
takinEl What would mother say :
She shuddsrsd. then resoluteDy pn