The times., 1897-04-11
PART III.

As the clatter of their hoofs died, ttli
stood aghast at my plight and at Louise
Moncneff's contempt Some part OF the
plot had been developed with unexpected
audiences, with 1 knew not what 10 fol-
low. But had no time for reflection. Two
horsemen spurred up. One was messen-
ger with dispatch for Gen. Washington.
lit requires the greatest haste, he said,
breathing hard.
Close behind came Won Wadom. Throw
ing his rein to q groom, he advanced toward
me before the officer could say another
word.
~ wish to speak to you, Capt, de la
Renne.h
"Yes; in a moment.
The greatest hastel' emphasized The
messenger. as if he were particularly
impressed with the importance OF his mis-
sion; but Won wadom pulled me into the
house.
u have something for Capt. della Renne s
ear he said. The dispatch-bearer fol-
lowed.
Possibly l would better follow up his
excellency to West Point / was told this
should be given TO no Que else-or Col Ham
tlton. at least" he said, a. IL he had
erred in having given me the dispatch.
al am from West Point. His excellency
whom | passed, will send Col. Hamilton
back. The meantime Capt. de la Renne is
his exceuen cys authorized representa-
tive" Won Wadom insisted.
yes said the messenger, but still
doubtfully.
Baron Won Wadom wishes prvat,
word, sir; | will be at liberty presently
i followed Won Wadom. He passed into
the inner room, closing the door carefully
"Give me that paper he said quickly.
This was no longer my good -humored, fa
eornrade, but a keen, active, resolute man
speaking commandingly.
Not /, baron" 1 retorted
what do you mean?'' he asked.
THAT the dispatch belongs TO his eN
cenency"
WHAT" he began In amazement. You
hired by us?''
by his excellency," said /.
.FoolI' he cried. Have you turned
traitor?''
looked at him moment steadily, hold
ing the letter behind me.
II am not content to play longer blino
man, my dear baron, - cried. You mus
explain more particularly. What has hap
pened?''
Course youl'' he said, walking rap
idly TO and fro, but gIancing at mt
shrewdly. Suddenly he began to fawn.
~ beg your pardon, De la Renne. It's
haste, danger, that led me to churlisl
manners But you must not hinder
The time has come, all unexpectedly"
.swellt'
"Gen. Amolds affair has miscarried
He is a fugitive now. II his eXcellenc,
does not have these letters, he may not b
able to escape
And our affair2'' 1 said breathlessly
"Great CONSERVATION viii exist whe
this is known said the baron wv
shall add to it by making the CON
mander-in-chief disappear. You are t
be in readiness Tonight -"
'sStop!'' 1 said fiercely now, my voic
halting Monsieur, / am going to b'
friend you, to give you chance. Yo
have left lne without a shred Of homo
And now / choose to act for myself.
will tell his eXcellency all i know. BI
first, as you gave ME chance, l CIV
you one--desertion Follow Gen. Arnold
now, while you have time, You will DC
have too much Run for it,
He looked at me, his rosy face ashen
his teeth chatt ering
"You-traitort'
'Traitori and what to?'' said, bitterl!
''De yitry took advantage of my postio
and gave me chance, which embraced
because I was weak. Now at last l st
clearly ! viii extricate my honor as be
] may But ! give you, too, chance
Take 1t, I say"
He saw, ! think, the resolution in m
eyes, as well as heard it in my tone, ar
he looked me over With utter hate. Yet
say, / liked him, and trembied at N
part. But was resolved and at the m