Putnam patriot., 1930-08-14
THE FATE OF ROBERT
 LOCKWOOD, TORY.
General Putnam Assisted By the Tavern Keepers Daugh-
 ter at Reading
The Hazardous Ride-The Old
 Sign

General Putnam was stationed at Reading. Connecticut, in the winter of f77e with a number of ili-fed. un- paid troops. His quarters were at inc Marvin House and Mary, the daughter of farmer Marvin. won her way to the heart of this daring sol dier through the splendid dumplings and the excellent quality of her flip. He took her into his confidence, and, being in want of a spy in a time of dire emergency, he asked her in q playful, half joking manner if she knew any brave fellow who could be trusted to take a false message into inc British lines that would avert an ;mpending attack. Yes indeed, she knew one, and she would be very sure that he would take the message if the Colonial army would be benefited tv the act. Putnam assured her that if would greatly aid the patriot cause, and that he would fittingly reward her for her part in the undertaking. With a pleasant smile and a twink ling eve she received the message and left the room.
 When daylight had left the sky and a ruddy star was seen Mary slipped out of the house, crossed a quite pasture. All was still. A strange, oppressive stiffness. Not twir was moving, not a cloud yelled the stars as she entered the ravine and in a field beyond reached a shell ter for cattle. On the instant a tall form emerged from the shadows and stood before her. She was soon clasp ed in the mans embrace. There were kisses of affection, moment of whis- pered talk, and the girl hurriedly asked her ardent admirer if he would carry a letter to the British head quarters near Ridgefeld. Of course, he would be glad to do so. But he must not on any account say from whom he had received it. The young man consented without a question. That his own true-love required it was sufficient. So. thrusting the tiny paper into his hand and bidding him Gods bessing, she gave him another kiss and they parted, he to go on an errand that would end in bitter ness. she to pass the night with the clergyman's daughter at the parson- age.
 Taken Captive
 AL about ten o'clock Putnam was disturbed bv the tramping of feet and tall, good looking fellow was thrust into his room by couple of the generals soldiers. The captive had been found inside the lines, so they said, in consultation with some unknown person who had escaped the eve of the sentry in the darkness. Was the unknown parsonage the maker of delicious dumplings and in- vigorating flip? The captured stands there alone-a spell seemed to be laid on him. When captured he put piece of paper into his mouth and swallowed it. He gave the name of Robert Lockwood. When Putnam de- manded to know what he had been doing near the camp without per- init he said that he had made prom. ise not to tell. Are you patriot! asked the general T am royaiist. do not sympathize with rebellion. l have been a man of peace m thls war" Putnam strode about the room, giving vent to his passion, hred wltn language neither choice nor gentle, for he had been troubled with spies and informers ever since he had been there Then, stopping, he sad more quietly: Some one was with you tpnight-some of my men. Tell me that traitors name and I'll spare your life and hang him before morn ing before the whole army. The prisoner turned dea:hly pale anc dropped his head. He would not violate his promise. ,,,
 "You are a British spy. and I'll hang YOU at sunriser' said Putnam in a voice like thunder. :,
 In vain the young man pleaded for time to appeal to Washington. lie insisted that he was not spy, ana it would be found, perhaps too late' that a terrible mistake had been made. His words were of no avail. He was led away and bound. and as the sun rose above the horizon on lhs next morning the sentence was eN- ecute.d
 Lifelong Regret
 At noor Mary returned from the parsonage, her eyes bright as stars and mouth dimpling with smiles. Goiag to Putnam, she said, witn some sauciness. '1 have succeeded. oenerai Putnam. found a fine young iad last night to take your message: l had to meet him alone, for ne IS Tory; so he cannot enter this camp. The poor fellow had no idea that ne was doing a service to the rebels, Tor he knew not what was m the ietter' and he promised not to tell who gave it to him. You see, 1 punished nm for standing by the king" Did not the general and Mary punish him with a severity they remembered with lifelong regretf
 The general laughed and admiring,, ly remarked: You're brave giri and suppose you have come Tor your reward We'll, my good girl, what IS it to bel"
 q want a pass for Robert Lock, wood. He is the royalist of whom l spoke, but he will not betray you, Tor he is not a soldier; and his visits please me and make me happy
 "The spy you hanged this morn ing" whispered an aide in Putnam 4h1 naea and SIN