Los Angeles herald., 1908-10-04

- S-AANA AANNAS SNI4S NiiN iSe'N
between Frankford and Whitemarsh. 1t would be
better. perhaps to say he was jumping instead of
riding, for he was astride numbering old farm
horse, and as 1t trotted along over the hubby road
the boy on its back was jounced up and down with
good deal of force, much, in fact, that he was
not altogether comfortable but he dug his knees
into the sleepy old beasts ribs to try and keep him
self from bouncing completely off, and shouted to
the horse which had come down to a walk, "Gid-ap
Dick, you old poke Gidap l say" and to empha
size his words he slapped him on the side with his
open palm.
1t was to be a great event to this boy for he
had gotten permission from his parents to go
and spend the night with friend that lived
the cross road. 1t was not often during the
troublesome times of the war that such a consent
could be got and he determined to make the best of
by getting to his friends as soon as he could in
spite of the jouncing he compelled to undergo.
Before he had gone very much farther he heard
the thumpity-thump of horses hoofs on the hard
road behind him. but he did not dare look around
to see who it was for fear of losing his hold he
slowed down to let the horseman catch up with
him.
The hoof-beats came nearer and nearer until
the boy turned his head and riding a
powerful grey horse. The man was a stranger in
those parts, for the youngster him
before and he knew, If only by sight, every per-
son within radius of two miles.
The stranger drew his big grey down to the
side of the sleepy old farm horse.
Hello, sonny" he said in a friendly tone
Where might We be goin'? Over to General
WashingtOns camp?"
NO answered the lad shortly, "I'm going to
stay with friend
"An' what might yer name be-" the other
inquired
Jerry Crane" replied the boy as he looked his
companion over closely
Live around here?" again inquired the man.
Yes, back there piece in white house." and
Jerry pointed back his shoulder with the
thumb of his free hand.
II reckon then you know of man by the name
OF Nathan Abbott who lives hereabouts?" was the
next query.
Il reckon l do too," was the lads prompt reply
"and he's the meanest tory in the country"
Easy, sonny, easy" demonstrated his COM
panion, I'VE shouldn't call yer elders Names"
Il amt calling him as mean names as he
deserves" retorted Jerry, hes carried to Phila-
delphia, or had carried, than one of Wash
ingtons plans"
"Oh, we'll that won't make any difference when
His Majesty's soldiers have whipped the Conti-
nentas and things kind O. get settled down again."
the horseman said in what would be called a
soothing tone
"The kings soldiers will never whip our men,"
cried Jerry, "Ill tell you it will take more than
British regulars to beat General Washington"
well sonny, won't git into any argument
over war matters. But ye didn't tell me where
Mr.. Abbott lives?"
He lives in white house on top of that hill
You see ahead"
Alright Jerry Crane I reckon I'll ride on as
yer beast doesn't seem to travel very fast Hone 7
ye again sometime, when yeve changed yer
views about this war. Good day." and the stranger
spoke to his grey and went flying up the road at
a great rate.
Jerry watched the man as he went up the long
gradual slope of the HILL and when he had gained
the very top he him turn off into the lane that
led to the torys house. Then all at the
youngsters fist came down old Dicks ribs with
a thump.
"Gidup, you old sleepy-head," he exclaimed with
another thump. Get a move you I'm going
to find out if can, what business that fellows
with Mafha nlyOn hos hpp