The Weiser semi-weekly signal. (Weiser, Washington Co., Idaho) 1904-1911, 1905-04-08

thrill of summer, blowing across the
shelving fields. Birds were f1uting In
the tulip trees, and the dewed odor OF
roses lay on the garden, drenchingly
sweet. The place seemed safe folded
from the war that lay, a sullen iend
in. cloud, far away across the Vir-
ginia hills.
A distant clatter 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 far to the westward!
What could it mean? Then, in clutch
ing apprehension. she fed 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.
stay where you are" came DR..
Walkers voice from the next room. II
am going"
mo, doctor" Mrs. Walker opposed.
II 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. "Dem's
de Britishers, missus!" she moaned.
DEEMS de Brfdsherss'
II know it." answered Mrs Walker
calmly as a knock Numbered at the
door. go back to your kitchen"
The figure on the threshold bowed
till his plnmes swept the sill.
Pardon me, madam-{adies," he be-
gan, "but 1 must ask of your hospital
ity breakfast for myself and my Off
GERS. may introduce myself2 Colonel
Tarleton of the British legion, at your
| service"
Anne caught an astonished breath at
realization that she was standing be-
fore the most dreaded Of Corvallis
cavalry leaders Could this red cheek
ed, petulant tipped lad be the dragoon
of whose cruelty and daring she had
so often heard? She courtesied slowly
to his bow.
II 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 httle time.
let me see to the breakfast. Mrs.
Walker she volunteered. Aunt Daph'
Is quite distracted"
Tarteton smiled, bowed again to her
and cianked 10 the door. Then Anne
caught Mrs. Walkers hand and whis-
pered: "-Ts q raid ON The assembly.
We must keep them here as long as
| possible. Tell the doctor"
She had no time 30 speak further,
for Tarseton pe-entersd with the 9th
| ers.
II have been Obliged to set a guard
about the negro quarters and at the
front and rear entrances OF the house.
he said I'VE shall soon relieve you OF
this Inconvenience. All, doctor, good
morning!"
Anne betootx herself to the kitchen
and stirred Aunt Daph' to activity
While the great fire roared her brain
was busy. She must get through that
Gordon of Fedooats- must-must!
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 bobbled and cropping
grass eagerly in widening half circle
The quarters were on the farther side
out of sight from the kitchen. Seeing
she babe Aunt DapR lay more of the
chicken on the racks and herself fed
the fire till its heat scorched her cheeks
"'Clar' ter goodness, Mis- Anne, 20
got 'nuff dar f0 fo'ty. std O. fo'y'
"Hushf Anne commanded. Go and
lay one of the tables in the milk ROOM
The negresa raised her hands.
vivid all dem sojers out dar? Honey
dee jes' split my bald wide op'np'
DO as l tell you said Anne. "They
won't hurt you. Make no noise, and
come back quickly"
The old woman made her way gin
geriy past the groups ecross the yard.
Mis- Anne" she said as she came
back, all Der teeth cleaning, lone OF
lem Britishers call 10 me jes' lax folks