The Somerset reporter., 1900-08-30

I'VE are gainfng! cried one. I'll
wager that at the next turn of the road
we shall catch her."
The men fairly flew over the road TO
the point beyond the bend where they
expected to capture Mistress Hillard,
and great was their surprise to discov-
er that she was not only beyond their
reach, but that she had completely dis
appeared! The men who had regarded
the race as simply joke to frighten
the girl now vowed to find her and
take her before the commandant.
We'll ride right to her fathers door,
and the one who finds her and brings
her before the officer of the day shall
receive liberal reward"
Jane Hlllard spoke trszy when she
said she knew the country around, and
when she saw that the British were in
pursuit of her she decided on a des-
perate move. At point hidden from
the highway she yaulted her horse over
the hedge, turned down the edge of
creek, and by the time her disappear
ance was discovered she was carefully
skirting her way through her fathers
orchard. In a few moments she was
galloping over the grass at the edge OF
the driveway and soon arrived at the
Hillard homestead.
No one was in sight, and the girl
hastily sprang from the saddle, opened
the door and, leading her horse into
the kitchen. securely fastened the great
bar across the entrance. With great
caution she led the mare through the
living room, down the wide hall and
the length of the state parlor into g..
little bedroom. She closed every door
behind her, and when she took the
horse into the sleeping room she quite
filled the space between the enormous
bed and the old fashioned, dimity
draped dressing table.
"Therew she whispered, unfastening
the saddle girth. "The redcoats won't
get us this time, my girl"
In the meantime the officers rode up
the lane to the Hillard mansion, care
fully looking for tracks In the dust,
and one man knocked at the kitchen
door so loudly with his riding whip
that Mrs. Hillard hastily answered the
summons, coming out OF the cellar,
where she had been assisting the maids
in skimming the cream.
1--WE are looking" said the man, "for
a maiden who rides about the country
on a bay mare. She is, l believe, your
daughter, madam"
my daughterm stammered Mrs. Hill
lard. "What can you possibly want of
herr"
I'VE believe" went on the officer,
that she is carrying reasonable mes
sages to the Continental army"
why, slrs," cried the mother, you
are greatly mistaken. Jane Is but a
child, and she knows no more Of the
ways of war than yonder lamb"
Know you where she Is at present."
one OF them asked.
"She left the house an hour ago."
was the reply, "and l expect her home
at any moment"
well, madam" said the first speak
err "if you will assure me that she is
doing no mischief and promise me that
she holds no communication with the
Continentals, we will bid you good
afternoon"
Il will also promise YOU" returned
Mrs. Hillard, that hereafter she shall
do her riding on her own estate, and
nor shall she hold any communication
with the Continental army"
There was great CONSERVATION in the
household when Jane led her horse
from out the best bedroom and told
the story of her fight and her manner
of escape.
Late that night. when all the house
hold was asleep. little figure stole out
and In n few seconds placed in the
hands of the waiting messenger
packet, which was in the possession
of General Washington before dawn.
And that day the Continental army
gained a great victory.
Several months afterward General
Washington took dinner with the Hill
lard family making the journey out of
Philadelphia to personally thank the
young girl who had risked SO much
for the cause SO dear to her heart, her
astonished family then hearing of 1t
for the first time. The commander in
chief Of the army also wrote Jane Hill
lard letter. which he signed. Your
faithful friend, G. Washington"
The Hillard mansion Is yet standing,
and in the best bedroom and on the
threshold of the state parlor are still
to be seen the loof marks of the faith
full horse that carried the messenger
when Jane Hillard risked so much for
the cause of liberty.-Troy Northern
Budget.