The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1914-07-23
A SPLENDID
OPPORTUNITY
On the Fourth Of July
By JOHN Y. LARNED

ton of Independence was promulgat.
ed on July 4. l776, that the anniver-
sary of the day would be celebrated
with the firing Of cannon and such ex
plosive demonstrations of Joy. The
prediction has been fulfilled to the
present day. but during the past quar-
ter century the old Independence day
passed away forever. The day is
now most tittingly celebrated by re-
calling the struggle which made good
the assertion Of the American people
Here is story Of the Revolutions:
New Jersey was the principal battle
ground of the Revolution. The region
between New York and Philadelphia
was great deal of the time deba.
table ground. The British occupied
New York city and, for portion OF
the time. Philadelphia. Washington
stationed himself on the heights of
Morristown, between the two cities,
but much nearer New York than
Philadelphia. Over the lower ground,
from Trenton to Jersey City, couriers
were galloping, spies were lurking and
a stray soldier wearing the red or the
blue was moving on some errand.
Some FIVE miles southwest of New
ark, where the city Of Orange now
stands, was the residence of Tory
named Wardle. His daughter, vir-
ginia, had two suitors, the one Brit
ish, the other an American officer.
Edgar Plimpton, the redcoat, was with
of
since the army of occupation had lit
tie to do the young Englishman made
frequent excursions to visit the lady
he loved, while Alan Trowbridge, who
| was at Morristown, rode In the oppo-
site direction and about the same dis
tance on a similar errand.
Either one of these officers was lia-
BILE to fall into the hands OF some re-
connoitering or foraging party of the
side against which he fought Then.
too, 1t was quite possible that they
might meet at the Wardle mansion.
: One night lit was the Fourth of July,
by the way) Lieutenant Trowbridge,
descending the Orange mountain, gal
loped through the valley between him
and the Wardles and drew up before
the gate Without waiting to be ad-
mitted he stalked into the house, to
find Miss Virginia in the drawing room.
She was evidently much perturbed.
Trowbridge asked her If he had come
inopportunely. If he had not better
leave but to all such questions she
gave unsatisfactory replies. Neverthe-
less. throughout the whole of his visit
she appeared Ill at ease, and he found
himself obliged to do nearly all the
talking, the young lady confining her.
self to monosyllables.
TrOwbridge knew of the attentions
of Captain Plimpton and had come to
her to ask her to decide between him.
self and the Britsher. He began little
I speech he had arranged to that effect,
but Virginia, showing signs of still
greater embarrassment, endeavored to
check him. He persisted and Just as be
finished with the words decide now
between him and me" closet door
opened and his rival stepped forth In
/ the dress of a citizen.
eff this matter is to be settled here"
the position of eavesdropper. Rather,
would hear my doom openly"
! "How comes 1t, captain" said Trow.
bridge, that you are so near the Amer
ican lines and not In uniform? Are
you aware that II caught as you are
you are liable to be treated as a spyp'
He had no sooner spoken the words
than there was the sound of horses
hOofs without and through the window
they could see a dozen Continental
troopers at the gate. An officer dis.
mounted and coming up to the door
which stood open walked into the hall.
Looking into the living room he saw
the two men and the girl. To Trow-
bridge, in whom he recognized a patriot
officer, he said:
pardon me, sir. for entering unan.
nounced. but ] have been told that a
British spy was In this neighbOrhood
and since this house is occupied by no
torious Tories | am likely to 6nd him
here"
J There is no spy on these premises,
replied Trowbridge. 81 give you my
word for that"
The officer looked suspiciously at
Plimpton. Il fear" he said, ''that
shall have to ask this gentleman to
| give an account of himself"
Plimpton was about to speak-to de-
clare his identity-when Trowbridge
stopped him.
~ have vouched for the gentleman"
he said "That should be enough"
"Who Is hep
II have told you that he is not q
spy"
Nevertheless I must satisfy myself
of that"
"Leave this house, SIR"
ION what authority%
"By order of the commander In
chief. am Lieutenant Trowbridge OF
his STAFF"
pardon me, lieutenant" said the
other, and, turning. he rejoined bis
troopers, and they all rode away.
Then followed an impressive tableau