Newport weekly independent., 1902-02-28

With Washington, sir came Eliz- abeth's answer promptly.
 "Ah, yes! But when did he visit you last?" said the soldier.
 Never since he went away, sir
 The men whispered together again. One of them seemed angry.
 q tell you the little rebel is lying he said, fercely
 Nay; but perhaps the captains shrewd wife does not let the child know when he comes home" said another.
 Then Elizabeth understood instant ly why she had been brought here. Shs had come from Mrs. Noble's house and was dressed in little Miss Elenor's clothes The men had taken her for Miss Elenor and were trying to find out about Capt. Noble. In her loyal heart she resolved never, never to be- tray her friends, not even if the sol diers killed her for her silence. If she spoke at all she must tell the truth, for she had been taught that lie was so terrible thing that no re- spectable person would tell one under any consideration.
 "Tell us how your father looks," said one of the men.
 "He is taller than you and far more comely,' said Elizabeth, promptly. "He has blue eyes and brown, curling hair and a mustache."
 sI believe the child lies" cried the suspicious one again. II have been told that the captain is dark
 'Sir," cried Elizabeth, T would not tell lie to save my life, nor for any, thing in the world.
 You are oyer-suspicious, Dale" said the elder man. sThese little reb- els are strictly brought up and regard truth as a jewel. Here, child, will you affirm, as God is hearing you, that you will tell only the truth?"
 1T will, said Eliza beth, pale and trembling.
 "At what time did your mother send you to bed last night?"
 "Very early, sir; before eight o'clock"
 Did you hear anything after you were in bed?"
 Yes, sir"
 s'What was it?'
 T was awakened by hearing some one ride up to the door,
 Did your mother talk to the per- son?'
 "Yes, sir"
 Did the voice sound like your father's?"
 No, sir. How could it be my father? He is with Washington.
 "Did the person come in?"
 f'No, sir.''
 "Are you quite sure?"
 "Yes, sir. I heard him ride away again.
 ''The slippery rebel has escaped us again. muttered one of the men. 1 "Who do you suppose this person wasp the questioner went on. i T think it was Peter, the fish man, . said Elizabeth; The often stops on his way home to sell mother some fish,
 One of the men laughed at this, and one muttered an oath. After confer ring together for a moment they pre- pared to go out. | ''We will go straight to Squire Thorn ton's,' said one; If he left home last night he is almost sure to be there.''
 Please may go, sirs?" said Eliza beth.
 i No" said one, "you must remain here till we return" and they went out, locking the door after them.
 Poor Elizabeth sat there for some time fearing to move, but when the dusk began to deepen, she resolved to try to escape. This was no hard task to the active child, for the windows were unbarred and she soon climbed to the ground. Without pausing, she ran to Mrs. Noble's house. The lady her self came to the door.
 Dear Mrs Noble" Elizabeth gasped, ''I don't know whether the captain is here or not, but if he is don't let him go to Squire Thornton's tonight, be- cause the British soldiers are going there to look for him."
 Mrs. Noble drew her in the house and soon heard the whole story. She left the room quickly and when she re turned she folded Elizabeth in her arms and said: Heaven bless thee. my child" Then in a moment she added: But you must go home now. Your mother will surely be anxious about you"
 Black Pompey, faithful house serv- ant, was sent as an escort this time, and Elizabeth reached home in safety. They found the mother greatly con- cerned over her daughters long ab- sence, but when she had told the story