Young Folks Magazine, Vol. I, No. 2, April 1902

Set against the turbulent summer of 1777, this tale follows Hadley Morris, a bright‑eyed youth working at the bustling Three Oaks inn along the road from Philadelphia to New York. When a captured messenger entrusts him with a secret packet meant for General Washington, the boy impulsively darts into the night, thrusting himself into a dangerous game of cat‑and‑mouse. His quick thinking lands him in the company of Lafe Holdness, a rugged teamster with hidden loyalties, and together they scramble to stay ahead of relentless British dragoons.

As the moonlight flickers over the rough roads, the chase becomes a test of courage, wit, and loyalty. Hadley must decide whether to obey his family's expectations or follow the perilous summons to deliver the crucial intelligence himself. The narrative blends vivid historical detail with the restless energy of a young adventurer, making every twist feel immediate and the stakes of the Revolution palpable.