The Fulton County news. [volume] (McConnellsburg, Pa.) 1899-current, 1901-02-28
A WARNING.

luE IN u bAiNA itSliA4E FDNli tAANt OthhNA
when he was approached by an orderly
who announced Mistress Betsy Ann
Blessing.
She was a girl so young she appeared
like child. and indeed acted like one. for
no sooner did she stand in the presence Of
the great man than she seized his hand
that hand Of stalwart Proportions
dropping on her knees, kissed it with the
ardor of a devotee. Meanwhile the tears
streained down her face in piteous tor
rents, and her form shook with suppress
ed emotion.
Washington had n tender heart, and he
was greatly distressed by this unusual
scene.
"You have something to say?" he asked
gently. Speak on; butt beg, my Chill.
that you cease weeping"
"Oh, your excellency, you are too
kind" said the girl, aud, rising to her
feet. she uncovered beautiful downcast
face which glowed pink and dewy
through her tears like rain washed. sun
kissed rose.
"Now, Mistress Blessing" said Wash
ington in his kindest manner, tell me
what brings you hithcr and what your err
rand may be-"
II came hither to save your excelen-
cy's life," was the startling response
Instead of laughing at the apparent
presumption of the weeping girl. he babe
her tell him everything, promising her
immunity from punishment in case her
news was not as weighty as she antici-
pated.
Thus encouraged she began her story;
''On the morrow your eXcellcncy is to
dine with several officers of your COM
4 4
"How know YOU that. grip" asked
Washington. much surprised.
"Your excellency will lny certain plans
against the enemy before the company"
"Proceedw commanded Washington
sternly
among the dishes set before your ex-
cellency will be a new vegetable Of which
you are very fond"
"Ah," laughed the general, you have
lost or forgotten an order from the kitch-
en-. Here is indeed new version of the
mountain and the mouse"
81 know not, gracious sir what mean
ing that hath of the mountain and the
mousse" cried Betsy. "but if mess Of
green peas be served at table on the NOR
row | beg and beseech you, sir, not to
taste of them.'
Wherefore, Mistress Blessing?" asked
Washington in his stelnest manner
"The peas will be poisoned
"How know you this?' demanded the
general in a tone which made his soldiers
quail when they heard It, Speak. and
see that you trifle not with me. Nay,
child. do not fear. If what you say be
true, not you, but the traitor who plan
ned the dastardly deed shall suffer"
mo. nor retorted the trembling girl.
10 T., 4.
that | have dared to come into a lions
jaws to tell of the deed to insure safety
for the designer thereof? Now that |
have warned your excellency, permit me
to retire from your distinguished pres
encc."
General Washington gave a signal and
instantly an armed guard of soldiers re-
sponded.
ARREST this girl" he said sternly. "and
keep her under guard until such time as
she send for me to confess her fault"
"That will never. though die in
prisonw was the defiant reply as the girl
who had entered boyyed and ,yennipg
raised her head proudly and walked out
with the soldiers like young queen.
All was tumult in the kitchens nj Rich
mond hill, and cooks were running about
getting into one anothers way when
fair haired youth in the garb of Il serving
man loitered in and made his way unob
served to the great Greplace. where he
uncovered the skilets in which the vege.
tables were simmering on the henrth
When he came TO that one containing fine
peas, he dropped in n handful of some
condiment and instantly tool, his denar
ture.
His next appearance was under the
window of that room in which Mistress
Blessing was incarcerated "H-i-s-t
sweetheart The dose is readv Keen
heart until the morrow when | will NV
self release thee to ride picbaback ON NV
roam horse. Ii is told in the town thai
BETSY Ann BLESSING is arrested for spv
Keep up your courage. sweetheart"
"If you would befriend me. betake
yourself 70 some safer Mace" wbisppred
Betsy's voice through tbe barred win.
dow high above him "a hnltpr will ba
ready for your neck ~ Won ara seen ar
suspected. And listen II your dose
takes effect. Won nre no longer n lover M
mine"
The youth went AWAY prumblinp abort
all being fair in love ana var
If Washington was dffnront from his
usual self AZ that historic dinnor tho Foo,
has not been recorded There wos mncb
secret discussion of weightv offoirs vpita
his guests hut he gave cloSa ottontio,, 80
the winds SET before him II wa. not
bou,a,ar up+;I .b n ,,c,,, = H. -. -