Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-03-15

sweet. The place seemed safe foldea from the war that lay, suJlen fend in cloud, far away across the yir- ginia hills.
 A distant chatter came to her, and she looked and listened where the east ern road bent behind clusters of trees. Almost before she had guessed the meaning of the sound troop of dra- goons, whose red coats proclaimed them British, dashed into view and rode at top speed toward the house.
 The British! So faf to the westwardl What could it mean? Then, in clutch ing apprehension, she fled downstairs to Mrs. Walkers room, to find that lady already dressing with speed and trepi- dation. As she opened the door, the yard below swarmed with confusion of soldiers and shrieking servants.
 4'Stay where you are," came pr. Walkers voice from the next room. "I am going"
 ''No, doctor,'' Mrs. Walker opposed. 'T am going myself" And go she did, Anne with her..
 Aunt Daph', the cook, having fed from the kitchen, was crouched, shud- dering, at the foot of the stair. "Den's de, Britishers, missus!" she moaned. Denis de Britishers!'
 II know it," answered Mrs. Walker calmly as knock thundered at the, door. "Go back to your kitchen a
 The figure on the threshold bowed till his plumes swept the sill. !. Pardon me, madam-ladies," he be- gan, Hbut I must ask of your hospital tty q breakfast for myself and my off cers. NJ may introduce myseIf7 Colonel Tarleton of the British legion, at your service, s
 Anne caught an astonished, breath at realization that she was standing be- fore the most dreaded of Cornwailis' cavalry leaders. Could this red cheek ed, petulant tipped lad be the dragoon of whose cruelty and daring she had so often heard2 She courtesied slowly { to.his bow.
 might add," announced the visitor. that no harm shall be done this prop erty. We have business farther on.'' Farther on! Anne's mind leaped to the thought of Charlottesville, only six miles away. The Virginia assembly was in session there. And Henry! She must gain little time M
 Let me see to the breakfast, Mrs. ! Walker" she volunteered. Aunt Daph' is quite distracted"
 Tarleton smiled, bowed again to. her and clanked to the door. Then Anne caught Mrs. Walkers hand and whis- pered: lis raid on the assembly, We must keep them here as long as possible. Tell the doctor.''
 She had no time to speak further, for Tarleton re-entered with the oth- CTS.
 T have been obliged to set guard about the negro quarters and at the front and rear entrances of the house,p he said. we shall soon relieve you of this inconvenience. Ah, doctor, good morningw X
 Anne betook herself to the kitchen and stirred Aunt Daph' to activity. While the great fire roared her brain was busy. She must get through that cordon of redcoats- -must-musty
 As the cook piled the, irons with frAG- ments of chicken, Anne's eyes, through the back door and window, took in the situation. Full dozen troopers were grouped there. stretched lazily in the sun, their horses hobbled and cropping grass eagerly in a widening half circle. The quarters were on the farther side, out of sight from the kitchen. Seeing she bade Aunt Daph lay more of the .txs.-. n the fire till its heat scorched her cheeks.
 'Clar' ter goodness, Mis- Anne, yo' got huff dar afo~ fo'ty, 'stid O fo'f'
 "Hushv' Anne commanded. "Go and \ lay one of the tables ill the milk roorn.7
 The negress raised her hands.
 ..Wid all dem sojers out dar? Honey, dee jes' split my haid~ wide op'nY Do as I tell you" said Anne. "They won't hurt you. Make no noise, and come back quickly" 6
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