The Birmingham age-herald., 1902-06-22
CHAPTER VI. IN WHICH A PRISONER IS TRIED AND HIS JAILER ESCAPES.


 AND HIS JAILER ESCAPES.
 With only dim Idea of what I went through the rest of that night, I can re- call moving under escort to an old farm building, which appeared to serve the purpose of a guard house, and, after a short examination.s being committed to a back room with but one window, and that barred. For the few remaining hours before l was called out to the ex- amining officer. I heard the steady tread of the sentinel outside my door. Sleep was gone from me. and like as not the rest I had had in the woods saved me from complete exhaustion.
 Up and down the room I went hour by hour, trying to cool myself down and to form some plan for getting away and giving information to the high authority who alone could be told such news. But nothing came of 1t. Indeed, I was far too crazed with the experience I had had to gather my poor wits. except In so far as decided finally to explain frankly who l was to the commanding officer of the troops stationed here at Verblancks l knew Col Livingstone to be fine soldier and Q gentleman. My two letters had been taken from me as soon as I was brought In. but I had no fears for any thing except my ability to come up with the commandor-in-chief and get speech with him.
 It was In the midst of this continual tramping up and down the room that I was interrupted by the entrance of a Sergeant, who bade me follow him. We passed along a narrow hall. and stood at half-opened door, waiting to be called. es l supposed. Within the room could be heard the voice of an officer making examinations, but as l leaned wearily against the doorpost I gradually became aware of two or three men talking in low voices on the other side of the door, "Perchance twas indeed the man. Rob, though, upon my soul. I hope not. For he did me as great a service as man can do." I started involuntarily. It was cer- tainly the big voice of my friend John Acton of the morning before; and, while listened the turning of my thoughts to him led them, for the first time since that strange meeting In the woods, back to the old house at Gowan's Ferry and 10 her who had taken such a hold upon me; so that at first the words seemed to carry little meaning to my mind.
 Heaven bring 1t that 'tis indeed your man, John. For I have followed the fell low up and down this country now for two weeks, till the pursuit of him and the desire to come up with him have grown to strange fascination" This other voice was clear, cool and penetrat- ing, and came of different character rom such as one saw day by day among officers and men in the rank and file of the Continental army. Twas no Eng fish 9ccidented voice, but it showed a great degree of cultivation
 What bearing and clothes had he? Though the clothes might be changed, !" he added But l have seen the fiend again and again, always riding always with a great cape, always at night"
 True, lad" said the other; The did, indeed wear a great cape. and he rode down from the heavens at full speed to my rescue"
 And then disappeared"
 Aye, like the smoke from a gun pouf! and he was gone"
 And some ten miles this side of Cow ans Ferry" the first voice said musing- ly; t was thereabouts I've come upon him."
 What set ye on the man, Rob7" asked the voice of Acton. I began now, in good truth, to catch every word, for 1 could place one man at least
 CIT is under the rose. John, but the fellow is trying to double spy, or so the
 
 thought, too, he belongs to Clinton. The Colonel took me into his confidence, and l am to try to run him to earth. I would not tell this even to you, but that I have the name of Captain Hazeltine, and as sure as there is God in heaven, I will come up with the man yet. It grows now to be personal thing twixt him and me!'
 Then the Lord help him!'' interrupted the other And n I lad hx, the sleeve and marched into the room.
 As we passed through the door, caught a sudden exclamation, and, turn ing recognized the man 1 had helped on the highway, dressed now in a Lieuten- ants uniform, anu knew he recognized me. Well. we should see what might be the outcome of 1t all; and if l were to have spoken my mind then, 1 cared not u tinkers dam
 Number 12!' called out a deep and, to me Just then, irritating voice. Report for examination
 l only saw in the morning sunshine that the room was filled with d number of commissioned and non ommssione officers, and was about to move to the place allotted to me, when he who called himself Acton stepped up and frankly shook my hand.
 "Ah, my friend, here you are! Rob, said he with calm disregard of the cX- amining officer near by, Rob, here is the man who kept me from the worms. That man!' muttered the other. He had a straight figure, fine, strong face, pale, little sombre in expression, but to the full extent what the voice had in- timated. May friend he added deJect- edly; "'t is no more like the other than you or l.
 "Gentlemen,' said the officer sharply, "order, and it please you, We must pro- ceed with the examinations. Your name, sir!'' turning to me.
 Merton Balfort," said I.
 NO middle name?'
 "No."
 I respect that mans parents" said Acton in strange whisper "One of us Is spared middle name."
 "'T Is necessary to have order here gentlemen" cried the officer sharply.
 Quite right, too,' nodded Acton, with mock seriousness
 Your home, siri'
 Massachusetts Colony" said l.
 What town?"
 Boston"
 "The Cradle of Liberty-next to Vir- ginia," murmured Acton in his ponder ous whisper, which drew a smile from every one present.
 "Lieutenant l shall clear this room If order cannot be maintained!'
 Then the nervous strain was laboring under become too much for me.
 Sir" said I. turning to Acton, T beg that you will let the examination pro ceed. You asked me to call on you, and