The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-06-09

poor wretch saluting. but gazing out of his
bloodshot eyes suspiciously. Are we per-
chance an American oficer?'
1 told him L was.
do We, then, know aught of one, Lieu
tenant Balfort, Merton Balfort?"
Yes" said i, equally cautious. "And
what of him?"
AZ have message for him."
''I am he"
Again he looked at me.
How am 1 to know" he asked
I thought moment and then said: did
| you meet any American troops going north
some hours ago?'
Eyes. sir. Cavalry. under two officers"
These officers. Do you know their
names?"
Eyes, sir
"They were Lieutenants Curtis and Act
on" said l. land carried British prison.
ers."
Your pardon, lieutenant" said he
humbly; and then grasped the doorpost in
evident exhaustion.
"Sit down. man. and say on said l.
He sank down on the step.
'T missed you at the fort, and came on
the road above-I met Lieutenant Curtis
he told me you were below at the ferry
before I got there some hellhound fired
from the woods and killed my horse
three of them took me-robbed me, by God,
sir-saving your presence, sr-got my dis
patches and read them, and kept them-I
fought them hard. sir, but twas use
and then one of them hit me crack on
the head, and-mayhap they left me for the
crows, for when 1 got to again, there was
I by the wayside in the bushes-and I'm
not so sure of what L did, but remember
getting a farmer to give me that lump Of
clay over there, and So" with a wan smile,
$50 got on"
1 picked the poor fellow up, and babe
him tell me If he knew the message or
who twas had sent II.
81 came from Tappan, sir. yesterday.
From headquarters" cried I.
AYE, sir from the general himself"
What was it, man? What was it?'
Its strange now" he muttered, put
ting his hand to his head, Il heard that son
of hell read it but few hours SINCE
Think, man, think said l. roughly.
Eyes. yes" cried he, looking UP at me-
Twas an order from the commandment
chief-for Lieutenant Balfort TO report at
headquarters at once-aye-at Tappan.
Could We, could ye give me a drink of
water, sir?
Turning to get the drink for him, I saw
that Mistress Philipse had heard his mes
sage. and L would have given much to read
her thoughts then
"Weu done my man! Come. let me take
YOU in here" and we carried him into the
front room, and laid him on a sofa, and
gave him his fill of water.
Then. while he lay quiet, turned to her.
''WilI you come 10 our breakfast" said
she with just a shade OF embarrassment
In her tone. and OF red on her cheek.
Mistress" said 1, had you aught to do
with the attempt to rescue Andre?-Nay,
tis an unfair question" added. hurriedly
for there came a sudden change in her
ewes 81 will ask another instead. You
heard this mans tale. Will-will others
know of the messageg'
Does the lion eat the mouse which
rnaved his bands in twain?' she asked.
eft depends upon how hungry the lion is.
After breakfast the lion would not be so
hungry"
Then, it depends. too, on whether the
lion Is a chivalrous Hon.
do you think she is?" she asked. slowly.
looking out across the street.
took her nand and kissed II gently. and
said:
81 think she is But l cannot stop for
| breakfast-I must be gone at once" and we
moved out to the door. What am l TO do
with your
She looked up without the shadow of a
smile.