Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1915-07-02
A Fortunate
Overdose
-
A Story For ~Independ-
ence Day.
BY F. A. mitchell


Our manner of celebrating Independ-
nee day has greatly changed since the
tst anniversary In 1777. Doubtless,
|.btil the independence declared was
ehieved, our forefathers were chary
,out celebrating its birthday at all,
Id If they did so 1t was with misgiv-
es. But for more than a century
tier that happy morning when the
latch In Philadelphia called the hour
18th "AlTs we'll, and CORVALLIS has
slrrenderedr' the Fourth Of July was
be great holiday of the nation. Now
nat a number of new generations
lave arisen and we have come to think
and more of the United States
I a nation rather than a seeded part
zn another country there Is a DISPOSE
lon to regard it simply as a holiday
skithout vital Importance. Since 1t has
ome to be celebrated more quietly
here is opportunity to dwell upon
hose scenes, now far distant, that per-
ain to the Revolution.
When the war broke out 1t found
Robert Morrison, an American, a COM
hissioned officer In the British army.
His regiment was sent to the colo
lies to establish the authority OF the
hing. Lieutenant Morrison was In
lined to favor the opposite side. His
election from the British service was
ccomplished by his sweetheart, Alice
Douglas of Philadelphia, who refused
b continue their betrothal unless he
would leave the English army and be-
home a rebel. This was a serious nat
Ter with him, for If captured bearing
rms against his former comrades he
would be treated as a traitor. How
kyer, he took the risk, deserted from
bis command and became a captain in
the American army.
In one of the battles in New Jersey
Morrison was taken prisoner by the
British, was recognized as a former
British officer and sent to Philadel-
bhia, then occupied by the English.
There he was tried by a court martial
composed of his former brother Off
kers and sentenced to be shot.
The outcome of the influence she had
kxerted over her lover was a great
hook to Alice Douglas. Some time
Just elapse while the finding of the
burt was being sent to New York for
he approval of the commander In
&hief. General Howe, before Morrison
$ould be executed. Meanwhile Alice,
having nerved herself for an effort in
her lovers behalf, set her wits to work
:hpon a plan to enable him to escape.
She asked for permission to visit him
la his place of confinement, but was re-
fused. Morrison's desertion to the en-
emy was considered a heinous crime,
hnd he was not kept with other prison.
ers Of war, but in solitary confinement.
BE was allowed to receive letters,
Enough they were rigidly scrutinized
by the officers Of his guard. Alice de-
Sired to write him a letter which he
bnly would understand, but found it
difficult to frame one that would not
De suspected, If not interpreted by his
tailer. In her perplexity she consulted
b chemist, who suggested that she write
IN ordinary ink what might be read by
any one and on the same paper put
what she wished to say privately in
an ink mixed with gum arabic and
chloride of cobalt. The composition
would be invisible unless, heated and
disappear as soon as cooled.
This ink, which was pink, he pre-
pared and showed her that while the
letters written with it were made visi-
Pile by heat they reappeared in green.
Alice wrote a letter to Morrison with
ordinary ink, ending it with the words,
MRS. Pyrine sends her love and SYM
1pathy." Then across the face of the
letter she wrote In the prepared ink:
I am planning for your escape. Be on
Pie lookout" There was no such per-
pom as Mrs. Pyrine, and Alice counted
PA Morrison suspecting that the word
Pyrine had a hidden meaning.
Unfortunately it occurred to the Of
peer whose duty it was to examine
Any letter sent to the prisoner and who
4Tas an educated man that the Greek
Rord "pyrus" meant fire in English.
Fhen after some thought he inferred
what it had been intended the pris-
pner should infer-that the letter was
70 be heated. This the officer did, and
fhe message.appeared in green letters.
He returned. the letter to Alice.
quite likely, being a gentleman, he
Felt disposed to let the sender know
Fnat her device had failed. Before re-
Furning 1t he read it to the prisoner
fnd told him how he had discovered a
Feeret message, though he did not tell
PIN what the message was.
Alice was much depressed at her
allure. Nevertheless she did not give
pp her purpose. She took delicacies to
Morrison, which. he was permitted to
eceiye, though she was not allowed to
zake them in to him herself. A few
pays after the failure Of her attempt
Y secret communication she took some
2atables to him and learned that a new
yuard, including the officer In COM
nand, had been placed In charge of
M