The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1916-02-17
PoLLY'S PRISONER.
Copyright, 1916. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate)

Copyright, 1916. by the Mcclure News
paper Syndicate)
1t was a bright spring day. The beau
tiful valley of Virginia lay a carpet OF
soft green, down which the silver
thread OF the river ran, and far over
toward the east the blue mountains
lifted in a purple haze.
But Polly was not thinking a bit
about these things. She was worry
ing about her party, for her 10th birth
| day would be tomorrow and there was
| not a sweet thing in the house. Pollys
| father and brother were in the army,
| the farm was all torn up, the fences
burned to keep warm, most OF the cat
tie used by the soldiers, and things
| looked awfully blue to this little con-
federate girl just budding into life in
the midst of the desolation Of war.
Polly sat on the stump of an old
tree and cried at the gloomy prospect.
Then she caught sight of horse com
ing down the road, it's galloping feet
beating tattoo swiftly on the hard
pike. The horse waS specked with foam
and the soldier wore a blue uniform.
"GoodneEs," exclaimed Polly, running
DIP on the porch and hiding behind a
big chair; 1T is a Yankee!
When the rider got in front Of the
house, he leaped from his horse, gave
road, then he ran up on the porch,
through the front door and burst into
small study, which had only one door.
In a few minutes five men in gray came
by the house and kept on at gallop,
evidently thinking they were chasing
the union soldier. Another minute and
they had vanished beyond the hill.
Now, it happened that this afternoon
Polly was the only soul on the farm.
And here she was alone with that
dreadful Yankee.
Like a flash she ran into the hall
and turned the key. which was on the
outside of the study door.
II have got you now, Mr.. Yankee
man." Polly piped in shrill tones
through the closed door. The young
soldier came to the door, tried to open
1t, shook. kicked and swore gently un-
der his breath.
Say, little girl. you let me out" he
commanded.
."Oh. no." returned Polly. you are
a bad Yankee man, and my papa Is
coming to get you. If 1t hadn't been
for you Yankees. 1 could have had my
birthday party"
The man laughed. We'll, aren't you
going to have one, anyway" he de-
manded, talking through the door.
"Of course Motive haven't anything
sweet in the house." said Polly, sadly.
serves. did want some candles, too.
awfully--10 Of them, to stick around a
cake"
well, kid, TIL tell you what will
do" said the man seriously. You let
me out and I will ride back to General
Sheridan's camp tonight and see that
you have goodies sent you in time for
your party"
ooh, will you? Honest Injun. really. |
truly?' cried Polly in delight, never |
doubling that the man would keep his |
word. We'll, be sure to bring them |
yourself" She unlocked the door, and
in a moment the man had sprung out |
and vanished down the road.
The next day, Polly spent all the
morning watching the road, but not a
sign Of anyone came in sight. But, as
she sat at dinner, there was the clat-
ter of hoofs, jingling of chains, and the
creaking of wagon wheels out in the
yard. Polly flew to the door.
There at the front gate was a big