Pike County press. (Milford, Pa.) 1895-1925, 1900-08-17

with tears Of gratitude. Then ex-
tending his hand he said: you're a
brave loyal American"
Betty hurried to the house and
brought out an old pair of crutches
her brother had used when he broke
his leg, and Thorne managed to get
to the house.
Betty dressed his wounds to the
best Of her ability, and after a hasty
supper ran TO her room to get a
nights rest She was to start the
next morning. She barred her door,
thinking, mo telling what kind of a
man he is. What a terrible risk | am
taking What would mother say?"
She shuddered, then resolutely put
all such thoughts away, and went to
sleep
The next morning she awoke very
early and heard the thump of her
visitors crutches on the floor down
stairs.
What is he doing?" she thought as
she put on a dress suitable for the
long days ride before her.
When she went down she found a
nice breakfast laid out. and a lunch
Good morning said Thorne.
Good morning." responded Betty.
She noticed that he was very pale.
It had taken a long time to prepare
the simple breakfast; every few min
utes Thorne's strength would give out
and he would have to rest.
After breakfast Betty went to the
stable and saddled their only remain
ing horse.
Poor Daisy" she murmured, lay
ing her head on the horses neck.
Then she led her to the door, got
| her lunch put the message in a secret
pocket in her petticoat, and after
| receiving some instructions as to the
way she was to go, mounted.
Bidding goodbye to Thorne, she
rode away. Out of sight of the house
her courage almost failed her. But
she touched the whip to Daisy's
| flanks and as she rode along the road
her courage soon revived, and before
long she was almost enjoying this
| ride in the early morning.
All day she rode, only stopping at
noon to rest, eat her lunch and feed
and rest Daisy, then on again.
She arrived in Philadelphia at
seven O'Clock, having been in the sad
| die since about six o'clock in the
morning, and riding distance Of fifty
miles.
Betty was very tired indeed as she
| dismounted at a house where Wash
ington had his headquarters. The
soldier on guard stopped her, but
| finally told the servant to take her
to General Washington, stating that
she had very important message for
him. The servant went away, but
soon returned and then conducted
Betty to the library.
The first thing Betty saw as she
entered the room was the tall, com
manding figure Of General Washing
ton. Then she realized that his blue
eyes were looking at her very kindly;
and then the great general said,
We'll my daughter, what can / do
for you?"
Betty was so very tired and nerv-
GUS that she couldn't help breaking
down and crying. General Washing
ton took her hand and gently led her
to a chair.
What is the matter my child?" he
asked. Then Betty told him about
the poor soldier at home, and about
her ride, and delivered her message.
He read the note carefully, then
| glanced up at the tired figure of poor
little Betty who, as soon as her head
touched the back of the chair fell
into a deep sleep.
Washington placed her on the sofa
that she might rest more comfortably.
When she awoke the fire burning ia
the CRATE was the only light. 1t wus
very dark outside. Washington was
sitting by the fire, but turned -
Betty stirred.
you brave girl" he said.
Betty ate supper with the general
and then retired to a room over the
library, to which the general himself
conducted her. She went to sleep
with his CHEEKY Good night, my
dear" still ringing in her ears.
The next morning Betty started
for home with soldier for an escort.
She arrived about seven o'clock.
AS she leaped from her horse her
mother caught her in her arms and
held her tight.
my own. my brave little daugh-
teri" she said.
Then Betty saw over her mothers
shoulder her father, uninjured, and
George Thorne waiting to greet her.
National Stockman.