Hopkinsville Kentuckian., 1905-02-21

Beccy a blushing brlce, Martin started
to leave Philadelphia and work his
way through the British and American
lines again. Well enough he knew
that his absence had been discovered
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
trifles as the guard-house.
Martin had slipped by the outer line
of British sentries safely, and though
he did not now expect to. encounter
any trouble with the British, he was
too good a 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 a hollow log
before he reached the British lines
1t was a relief TO fuh the gun still in
the log when he returned for It, and
with ii over his shoulder ne felt more
secure as hetrudged rsmpward through
timber.
He wcs within two miles of the Con-
tinental lines when be detected the
figures OF men NOV .ng through the
timber some distance ahead of nIm
Secreting himself ia 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 hesitated
not a moment when they were within
a few feet of him, and with his gun
at the ready commanded them to
surrender.
Now" said Marin. when he had
the two soldiers at his mercy, Il Will
make a bargain with you. Tomorrow
is our generals birthday and he needs
the very bird you carry for dinner
party n'fact, It was TO secure it that
have been in these woods. II you
will deliver the bir1 to me you can
return to your well provided kitchens
in the city. II you will not you can
about face and march before me into
camp"
1t was more than fair bargain tnat
Martin offered and ire British did not
hesitate In taking advantage of It
With many promises OF no attemp, at
retaliation they placed the bird in the
snow and marched away toward the city.
Martin watching them until they were
we'll out of sight in the timber. Then.
taking the turkey under his arm. he
again set out for the Continental camp,
which he soon reached
Who comes there? hailed the SEN
try.
"A friend with a Birthday dinner for
the general" replied Martin; but the
turkey would not ssTve as a counter
sign and the officer OF the guard was
called. To him Martin insisted upon
being taken to the generals headduar-
ters that he might present his prize IN
person.
"A birthday dinncr 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 offi-
Ger, 'and with the hope that he will
invite Capt RosterhoGse, of that regi.
ment, TO eat a birthday dinner with
him"
Then Martin explained Beccys con.
nection with the presentation and his
own dereliction from duty. not for.
getting a description OF Beccys brighl
eyes and rosy cheeks II is needless
to say that Martin dld not go TO IN,
guard house. and ri6t the wrath o.
Capt. Rosterhouse was appeased wner
he was invited to oiEe with the gen
eral the next day, which. being Feb
rnary 22. all the army knew was Ih'
} great mans Birthday.