Akron daily Democrat. [volume] (Akron, Ohio) 1892-1902, 1900-07-16
PURSUED BY REDCOATS
Bravo James Thrilling Escape From
British Ohicers--H She Oat-
witted Them.
OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES

y9~@%@%~~%~~4~@~m@@m@%A@@%
During the Revolutionary war many
deeds Of valor were performed by pee
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 Hil-
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
colonlsts.
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, 1t Is said, is afraid of nothing
this side of the sea. 1t Is said that she
is one of the most expert horsewomen
III int tDiOult5 anu 10 OuI SNouEluk IHe
country over at daybreak and does not
return till dark"
ut Is neither prudent nor womanly,"
replied another "and If 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,
woe cta nj hnr cid
ting its glossy neck, while her mother
was saying:
'I 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 touch with her whip, she went
flying down the driveway toward the
| public road.
Jane rode along the smooth highway,
! 'N''N hph ohh NlNh iopAihS pNti iiti
= 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 reined in
the mare, raised herself in the saddle
and gazed in all directions. Seeing nc
one, she gave three short whistles
which were at once answered. She
then started the horse and in a moment
had reached thick underbrush u few
rods off the public road. A young
man came forward. raised his cap re
spectfully and said:
Good day, Mistress Hlllard. Yor
are prompt in keeping an appoint
ment."
"Good day. sir" she answered quick
ly. II am glad have not kept yo,
waiting, though" she added, 81 came
near not being here at all. This day
of all others my mother objected t'
my riding. The country is filed will
soldiers, and she was afraid harm
might come to me-"
docs she know of this meeting? 2
the man asked quickly.
mo one knows of It," the girl re
piled, "and am sure ! have not beei
noticed on my way here"
"That il WELL" her companion an
swered. II am trusting you with {
most important message which mus
be In the hands of General Washington
within IL hours. Ii 1t Is discovered,
means death TO me and confusion 1
our troops. You are In great DANCE
carrying It," And he hesltated a me
ment before placing in her hands
which were outstretched eagerly,
neatly corded packet. But l see n
other way" he added, and, handing
to the girl, he was soon out OF sight,
Jane placed the precious messag
within her riding cap and had gon
but short distance when, on lookin
over her shoulder, great was her col
sternation to discover in the distane
a party OF English officers.
, Jaae Hillard was brave girl, br
, her heart sank as she thought OF tn
Important letter intrusted to her. a
that 1t meant to the Continental arm
II It were discovered and what wopl
he her probable fate IL she We're mad
prisoner of war She put the spp'
, to her horse, and then began rio
which was an important one for tf
cause of liberty. On they Went, u
. girl urging the mare over the uneye
; road. we'll knowing that one misste
] meant certain capture and probap
death, while the redcoats followed wi,
!. wonderful speed,
I'VE are gainingp' cried one. II
. wager that at the next turn of the ros
we shall catch her"
The men fairly flew over the rond
{ the point beyond the bend where th'
1 expected to capture Mistress Hillar
J and great was their surprise to disco
r er that she was not only beyond the
i reach, but that she had completely d.
!. appeared! The men who had regard
. the race ns simply Joke TO fright
). The girl now vowed TO find her ~
!. take her before the commandant.
"Well ride right TO her fathers doc
and the one who finds her and brin
j.. her before the officer of the day sh
~ receive liberal reward"
Jane Hlllard spoke truly when s
snid she knew the country around, n
when she saw TINT the British were