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

During the Revolutionary war many
deeds of valor We're 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 a we'll known family in
the vicinity Of Philadelphia, and while
they had never been discovered in d.
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, -'s
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" a 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, Il know
every inch of the ground as we'll as
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 a 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 no.
ticed her during her swift trip. And
at last, when she came to a 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 a thick underbrush few
rods off the public road. A young
man came forward, raised his cap. re-
specially and said:
"Good day, Mistress Hillard. You
are prompt in keeping an appoint
ment"
"Good day. SIR" she answered quick
ly. 81 am glad have not kept you
waiting, though" she added, II 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.
mo one knows of it," the girl re-
piled, land 1 am sure have not been
noticed on my way here" T.
''That is WELL" her cdppanion an
swered. II am trnstfng au with a
most important esnessas hfesSmust
be in the HANDS gton
within lsassss I. l So 1870 it
ear aFoogs d d stS Hat danger
carr sated a mo-
,,,o,,+ 5 X&sS Nh her hands.
which were outstretched eagerly, a
neatly corded packet, But | see NO
other way" he added. and, handing II
r to. the girl. he was soon out of sight. =,
.. Jane placed the precious message
= within her riding cap. and, had gone
but a short distance when. on looking
Il over her shoulder, great was her con.
: fternation to discover in the distance
81 isfparty of f nglish officers. :.
Jane Hillard was a brave girl, but
her heart sank as she thought OF the
So, important letter intrusted to her. all
that it meant to the Continental army
!, if it were discovered and what would
be her probable fate if she were made
q, prisoner of war. She put the spurs
to herahorse, and then began a, ride
J., which was an important one for the
cause ofaliberty. ron they went, the
girl Urging tie mare over the uneven
road ,pweil knowing that 'one nisstep
!. meant certain capture and probable
,adeath, whiie the redcoats followed with
wonderful speed. srs ~ J n- = - !,
10 @We are ,lgaininggs cried, ones 'I'l
wager tbata next turn n Sf The road
1--WE shall catch her, 30 afr as'. %
The fis ever the r t1 u
1.-THE, point beyondrthe 'hend where they
s a1psctea gs gtss1 !assess ! E 81
saAnd, great nv 40, theirG Fpris&50 ,dlsc0v'
ef that size Fax net only beyond .theil
.seach. hut that sheshad. GsuR'etaH die