The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1900-07-26
PURSUED BY REDCOATS
Brave James Thrilling Escape From
British Officers-How She Out
witted Them.

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During the Revolutionary war many
deeds of valor were performed by peo-
pie whose names have never been
heard Of by the present generation,
but whose daring acts did much to
foster the cause Of liberty. The Hill
lards were well known family in
the vicinity Of Philadelphia, and while
they had never been discovered in di-
rect communication with the CONT
mental army it was fairly understood
among the British troops that they
were using their influence to aid the
coloniSts.
81 should like nothing BETTER" an
English officer was saying, than to
capture one Of that family, march him
to headquarters and make him give an
account of himself"
Perhaps" fellow officer returned,
"you would not enjoy the capture of
the young daughter of the household.
who, it is said, is afraid Of nothing
this side of the sea. 1t is said that she
is one of the most expert horsewomen
in the colonies and is out securing the
country over at daybreak and does not
return till dark"
1T is neither prudent nor womanly,"
replied another, land if l can once get
sight of her I'll give the damsel such
a scare that she'll be glad to stay at
home with her spinning"
Jane Hillard. beautiful girl Of Is,
was standing at her horses side, pat
ting it's glossy neck. while her mother
was saying:
II like not the thought of your going
SO far from home alone when the coun-
try round is infested with British SOL
diers."
why, MOTHER" laughed the girl as
she sprang into the saddle, II know
every inch Of the ground as well as l
know our own dooryard. And what
can happen to me? There is no horse
SO fleet as mine. and promise to take
good care Of myself" And, giving the
mare touch with her whip, she went
flying down the driveway toward the
public road.
Jane rode along the smooth highway,
every now and then looking over her
shoulder to see whether any had mo-
ticed her during her swift trip. And
at last, when she came to large
clump of elder bushes, she refined in
the mare. raised herself In the saddle
and gazed in all directions. Seeing no
one, she gave three short whistles,
which were at once answered. She
then started the horse and in moment
had reached thick underbrush a few
rods off the public road. A young
man came forward, raised his cap. re-
spectfully and said:
"Good day, Mistress Hillard. You
are prompt in keeping an appoint
ment"
"Good day. sir" she answered quick
~. 81 am glad ] have not kept you
waiting, though" she added, Il came
near not being here at ALL This day
of all others my mother objected to
my riding. The country is filed with
soldiers, and she was afraid harm
might come to me-"
Does she know Of this meetingY
the man asked quickly.
"No one knows of It," the girl re-
piled, land am sure have not been
noticed on my way here" q
"That is WELL" her edppanion an
swered. II am trnst6s sp with q
most imporia9t asmu st
be in the haAd gton
within 1aASeSnss { q 8 & ssafd. it
sssr M sosS Sanger
ment 81 fofjl p3 c1laS n sfer hands,
which were outstretched eagerly, a
neatly corded packet. But see no
other way he added. and. handing II
tosthe girl, he was soon out Of sight. !,
), Jane placed the precious message
z within her riding cap and had gone
but a, short distance when. on looking
! over her shoulder, great was her con-
sternation to discover in the distance
& isparty of f nglish officers. .
Jane Hillard was a brave girl, but
her heart sank as she thought OF the
! important letter intrusted to her. all
that 1T meant to the Continental army
If it were discovered and what would
be, her probable fate If she were made
a. prisoner Of war. She put the spurs
to herehorse, and then began a ride
!. witch was an important one, for the
cause ofGliberty..TOn they went, the
girl Urging tie mare over the uneven
. road, Dweii knowing that one, nisstep
!, meant certain capture and probable
adeath, whiie.the redcoats followed with
ewonderfrt speed. ;,rs 49, s ! Sal -" +,
q tfWe are igaininggs cried, ones I'm
wager thata next t,ir n The road
2 we shall catch her. Dss a.fr ~" Sa.
The q ever 81 the ss ,rOad 70
.,.thes point beyondrt the aheHd where they
a4fseteH sgr sa ssss ! ] I8 81
nAnd sgreatwa g. theirsaHEp dtsc0v'
aaesfsthat size aFax net 6fiy 1Bey ony their
seaoh. hut that She bad. 0smpletsN dis