The Mount Holly news. [volume] (Mount Holly, Burlington Co., N.J.) 1891-1942, 1917-02-20

in the uniform of an American officer.
was not only surprised at his costume,
but that in such apparel he appeared
far more gentlemanlike than ever be-
fore. Besides, he greeted her with the
manner of born aristocrat.
do you not fear" she said. that in
this uniform if British soldiers come
they will make prisoner of your
IF they do l will prove that am
not an American officer"
"But that will betray Captain String
fellow. They will surmise at once that
he has changed clothes with you"
.'Never fear for that. l will not re-
veal the true situation until there Is
no danger of betraying him. You kind
ly took me In and gave me meat, drink
and shelter. No one in this house
shall suffer through me-
The three chatted together, the
stranger being informed as to the re-
lation between the other two, and the
lady's name. But he gave no informa.
ton about himself. His change from
a poor white man to gentleman
would have excited the curiosity OF
Stringfellow and his fiancee had it moi
been that they were momentarily ex
pecting party Of British soldiers tc
look for the American.
Presently sounds Of horses hoofs an
nounced the coming Of the pursuers.
voice without was heard detailing a
sergeant and six men to search the
house, while the rest rode on. Then
the door was thrown open and the
searchers entered.
Come, come, sergeantI' said the
guest In a tone Of authority. when
you enter dwelling of gentlefolk use
the knocker."
The sergeant looked at the speaker
In puzzled way, then suddenly stood
erect and saluted.
What means this, Major Thorn
dyke2 How come you to be in rebe
uniform n
What is your business here?'' asked
the major instead CT replying.
1--WE captured rebel captain THU
afternoon. He escaped, and we ar
following him. l have the orders o.
the lieutenant commanding to search
this house."
"And you have now the orders o.
Major Thorndyke to retire from thil
house and leave it undisturbed.'
The sergeant looked for an explana
ton to follow the words. but since M
explanation was vouchsafed be salut
ed and retired with his men, How
ever, as he was about to close the doc
behind him Major Thorndyke orderet
him to ride on and recall the search
ers.
During this scene Stringfellow ant
Miss Rutledge looked on with incBeas
Ing wonder. AS soon as the soldier
had gone the guest turned to them ant
said:
"You see. captain, that l have KEEP
my word. You are as safe here fron
the kings troops as If you were a
General Marion's headquarters. l
there are rebel troops about | am 4
far more danger than you Three day
ago left Colonel Tarleton's headquar
tiers In the disguise you now wea
with view to gaining information a
to the Swamp Fox's" lair. that WI
might trap him failed and wa
working my way back to where | be
long through this country, where th'
kings troops and the Continentals ar
both rowing, when few hours ago
asked food and shelter of Miss Rut
ledge. She gave them to me, and
verify believe in her kindness of hear
If had been discovered here by you
men she would have protected me
( You must admit, captain. that riske
something in donning your uniform
for had your men instead Of mine com
here / would have been hanged for
spy. You are at liberty to get BAG
into it and without danger from on
troops so long as am with you"
The evening was finished with re
freshments ordered from the larde
by Miss Rutledge. after which all re
tired to their rooms In the mornin
Captain Stringfellow appeared in hi
uniform, and Major Thorndyke. has
ing sent a trooper for bis own reg
mentals. presented himself at break
fast in proper apparel After the mea
had been finished Captain Skingfe
low was sent under a flag of truce t
General Marion's army.