Licking Valley courier. [volume] (West Liberty, Ky.) 19??-current, 1912-06-06


tered enemy could gather would ven
ture upon attack. BY daylight they
would be within sight of the Phila-
delphia outposts, and serenely conf
dent in their numbers, the night
march had therefore become a mere
routine. heard Farrell chuckle grim
ly to himself as he observed the care
less approach of those advance rid
ers.
They were the Queens Rangers,
the white facings of their coats con-
spicuous, their guns swung at the
shoulder in reckless confidence. A
slim young lieutenant appeared to be
in command.
Ten wagons passed without a move
ment or sound from the men lying
concealed almost within arms reach
Of the unconscious guards, Farrell
never stirred and l scarcely ventured
to breathe. Then there came squad
ron of Rangers, an officer riding alone
In 'front.' the black shadow Of another
section of the wagon train looming
over the ridge behind them. The
horsemen passed Us, the officer turn
ing in his saddle with an order to
close up their ranks. l recognized
Grants voice, and then, sharp as a
blow, rang out Farrell's whistle at
my very ear.
There was a leap of flame from
both sides the road, lighting up that
cash in the clay bank as though it
was an inferno, the red and yellow
glow cleaving the night asunder, with
ear-splitting roar. was on my feet,
my rifle splitting, yet hardly conscious
Of any act, stunned by the suddenness
of the reports, confused by those
black figures leaping forward through
the weird glare. saw and heard, and
yet it was all confused medley, in
which bore active part while scarce
ly realizing its significance. 1t was
fierce hand-to-hand melee so swiftly
fought as to be over with almost in
a minute, and yet so desperate the
narrow roadway was strewn with bod.
les. Frightened horses whirled and
ran; wagons were overturned; hem.
med in against the high walls, Ger
mans and British made one mad effort
to extricate themselves; the advance
guard came squirting back, pushing
blindly into the ruck, the boyish voice
Of their young lieutenant sounding
above the uproar But our men were
between the two, compact body
each borderman fighting independent
ly, but knowing the game. I heard ne
word Of command. no shout of direc
ton from either Farrell or Duval, yet
we ripped them asunder with sweep
: ing rifle butts, and, almost before
could catch second breath, the few
who remained on their feet were help
. lessly trapped. Farrell saw.it was al
over, and his whistle sounded again
shilling the uproar. Up to that mo
ment he was beside me; with tn,
echoing of the shrill blast he had dis
appeared.
It was Duval who emerged from tn,
wreck OF the train, demanding surren
der.
who commands bere?" he shouted
Speak up quick"
h. There was hesitancy, and then on
e of the black black ,irass hiMdle1 against tn
bank recognized Grants voice:s-
h I suppose do; has any one see
d Captain Delavan?"
: HE fell at the first fire, sir" al
: swered some one huskily.
a Grant stepped forth. into the moor
= light, bareheaded, his sword in hant
|, Then Lam the senior officer" h
l. announced, his voice shaking slight!
e "Who are your"
" Camden minute men. Do you su
s. render?"
D He took long breath, glancin
e about at the dark shadows. Some on
e held lighted torch, the red fam
l. casting a sudden CLEAN over the su
8, rounding faces. 1t was clear thl
further resistance was useless, "
Grant temporized.
"Are you in commando
NO" said Duval; "but | represeI
the commander"
II deal with the one responsible
this affair and demand terms. WI
is your leader?"
Duval smiled, turning his head 4
quiringly.
81 don't think you have niue
choice" he commented dryly. "HoN
ever, perhaps you are not too proud
talk to regular who outranks you
I present Major Lawrence, Of the Co
tinental Line"
J Surprised as was by being thu
suddenly thrust forward into suprem
authority, / as instantly understood
the purpose, and stepped to the from
\ Grant stared at my face In the gleai
) Of the smoking torch, almost s
though he looked upon a ghost
"Youi"
Certainly, Captain. 1t Is a plea
ure to meet with you again, especial
m under sucn happy circumstances. 81
=. my men are becoming impatient. I
=. you surrender"
Under what terms" he parleyed.
None, but we are not savages. W
will be treated as prisoners Of war
" His hatred OF me made him obs
J nate, but the utter helplessness
y their position was too apparent to
y ignored. A Hessian muttered som
- !, thing In German, and Grant dropp'
~ the point Of his sword with an OATH
= Good" said promptly. 'Lieute
= ant, have your men disarm the pr
ie oners"
There was no resistance, and u
:, militiamen herded them against Il
al hank ancirolad nv haavv On,aY