El Paso daily herald. (El Paso, Tex.) 1881-1901, 1900-08-29
PURSUED BY REDCOATS :
Brave James Thrilling Escape From
British Ofbcers-How She Out
witted Them.

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During the Revolutionary war many
deeds Of valor Were performed by PEG.
PIE whose names have never been
heard Ssf 10y the present generation.
but whose daring acts did much "a
foster the cause OF liberty. The Hill
lards were n well known family In
the vicinity of Philadelphia. and while
they had never been discovered in d.
rect communication with the Cont
mental army IL was fairly understood
among the British troops that they
were using their influence to aid the
colonists.
II 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" n fellow officer returned
you would not enjoy the capture of
the young daughter of the household
who, IL 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"
ut is neither prudent nor womanly,"
replied another, "and IL I can once get
sight of her I'll give the damsel such
q scare that she'll be glad to stay at
home with her spinning"
Jane Hillard. a beautiful girl of 10,
was standing at her horses side. pat
ting its glossy neck, while her mother
was saying:
Il 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 well 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,
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 4 large
ciump 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 a moment
had reached n thick underbrush n 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- II am glad I have not kept you |
waiting, though" she added, II came 1
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 meeting"
the man asked quickly.
mo ono knows of it," the girl re-
piled, land l am sure 1 have not been
noticed on my way here"
THAT is WELL" her companion an
swsred. II am trusting you with
most important message which must
be in the hands of General Washington
within II hours. If it is discovered, It
means death TO me and confusion to
our troops. You are in great danger
it," And he hcsitated mo-
ment before placing in her hands.
which were outstretched eagerly.
neatly corded packet. But 1 see no
other way" lie added, and. handing it
10 the girl. he was soon out Of sight
Jane placed the precious message
within her riding cap and had gone
but short distance when. on looking
over her shoulder, great was her con-
sternation to discover in the distance
. party of English officers.
Jane Hil,lrd was a brave girl, but
her ueart sank as she thought OF the
important letter intruSted to her, all
that it meant to the Continental army
II il were discovered and what would
be her probable fate if she were made
a prisoner of war. She put the spurs
to her horse. and then began ride
which was an important one for the
cause of liberty. On they went, the
girl urging the mare over the uneven
road. well knowing that one misstep
meant certain capture and probable
death while the redcoats followed with
wonderful speed.
We are gainingr cried one. 'I'n
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