Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1905-02-16
sHEPHERDsTOWN W. VA THURSDAY. FEBRUARY 16 1905.

would consent to a cherished plan Of
his and they would be married. Such
promise was too much for even Mar
tins sense of duty to withstand. de
had been afraid that Beccy would be-
come enamored of some of the British
in the city, and knew well enough
that her parents would not strongly
oppose such a match, and Martin
stayed.
1t was well towards noon when the
simple marriage ceremony over, and
BeccY blushing bride, Martin started
to leave Philadelphia and work his
way through the British and Ameri-
can lines again. Well enough be
knew that his Absence had been dis
covered before that time, and well
enough he knew that period in the
guard house was in store for him. But
he had Beccy safe, and what cared
he for such trifes as the guard-house
Martin had slipped by the outer
line of British sentries safely, and
though he did not now expect to en-
counter any trouble with the British,
he was too good soldier not to keep
a sharp eye for possible trouble. When
he left camp he brought his gun away
with him and secreted it in hollow
log before he reached the British lines.
1t was a relief to find the gun still in
the log when he returned for it, and
with it over his shoulder, be felt more
secure as he trudged campward through
the timber.
He was within two miles of the Con-
tinental lines when he detected the
figures of men moving through the
timber some distance ahead Of him.
Secreting himself in the brush he
awaited developments and was re-
warded by seeing two British soldiers
approaching directly towards him, one
of whom carried an enormous turkey.
He had faced greater odds than two to
one on many a battlefield. and hesita-
ted not a moment when they were
within few feet Of him, and with his
gun at the ready" commanded them
to surrender.
Now" said Martin, when he had
the two soldiers at his mercy, 81 will
make bargain with you. Tomorrow
is our generals birthday and he needs
the very bird you carry for a dinner
party. In fact, it was to secure it that
| have been in these woods. If you
will deliver the bird to NE you can
return to your well provided kitchens
in the city. If you will not you can
about face and march before me into
camp"
1t was more than fair bargain that
Martin offered and the British did not
hesitate in taking advantage of it.
With many promises Of no attempt
at retaliation they placed the bird in
the snow and marched away toward
the city, Martin watching them until
they were well out Of sight in the tim
Der. Then, taking the turkey under
his arm, he again set out for the
Continental camp, which he soon
reached.
"Who comes there hailed the sem
try.
"a friend with birthday dinner
for the general" replied Martin; but
the turkey would not serve as a coun-
tersign and the officer Of the guard was
called. To him Martin insisted upon
being taken to the generals hesdquar-
ters that he might present hisprize in
person.
"a birthday dinner to Gen. Wash
ington with the compliments Of Beccy
Roherback and the Third New York
foot, said Martin, when ushered into
the presence of the commanding off,
Ger, land with the hope that be will
invite Capt. Rosterhouse, of that regi-
ment, to eat birthday dinner with
him."
Then Martin explained Beccys con-
nection with the presentation and his
own dereliction from duty. not for
getting description Of Beccy's bright
eyes and rosy cheeks. 1t is needless
to say that Martin did not go to the
guard-house, and that the wrath Of
Capt. RosterhOuse was appeased when
be was invited to dine with the gen
eral the next day, which, being Feb
rusry %, all the army knew was the
great mans birthday.
Another Case Of Rheumatism Cured by