The Washington times., 1902-07-13
(SYNoPsIs OF THE PRECEDING
CHAPTERS.)

ILieut Merton Balfort. brave Young Rcvo-
lutionary soldier. While an important com
mission FOR General Putnam To General Wash
inyton, rescues Deborah Philipse from her ear
riage which had broken down on a muddy road.
They 20 to a tavern where they find high
waymcn. In protecting his unlooked-tor
charge Balfort fights, killing his opponent. The
ugly crowd in the tavern then gathers threat
CninGiy around Young Balfort and DehoIah.
She, to excuse their presence there together,
declares they elopinC swecthaarts, where
upon nothing VIII do but they must he mar
ried at once. 4 Bible Is produced and one
Marvin. claiming TO be a preacher, is called IN,
ceremony performed and q certificate gwen.
Then both Balfort and Deborah are relieved OF
all their money as 4 Zee. one OF the drunken
men arouscs and sight Of him causes strange
fright TO Deborah A room is secured for her
and she rests. In the early morning Baitort
escorts her TO her home. passing through
village on the way. lie leaves her and pro-
ceeds on his mission, coming across John Acton
whom he saves from three assailants. Later,
while resting in 4 thiCket. he Is awakened ny
voices and learns of Arnold's compact with
Andre. Then Baliort dashes ahead to warn
Washington and is arrested by sentinel Bal
forts trial proves farce and ends IN his be
ing ordered to Colonel Livingston, hut not be-
fore he had made the acquaintance of Lieuten-
ant Curtis. Colonel Livingston orders him
taken to General Arnold and while the way
he outwits his guards and then begins long,
hard, tedious ride TO find Washington. Sue
patches to the Commander in hief and is or
Gered 10 hold himself in readiness for mis-
sion. This mission turns out to be an as
signment TO forestall an attempt by the Brit
ish to recapture Andre. and while performing
1t. Balfort finds Deborah, who saves his life
during a fight. Proceeding on his mission,
which required him TO go to Tappan. Baliort
is pursued by some Of IIazeltine's men, whom
he escapes by n ruse and by some uneN-
pected luck. Balfort sees Washington and Is
given the mission to capture Arnold. lie IS
supplied with passes for three which he uses
for himself and his two friends, Lieutenants
Acton and Curtis. As Mr.. Argyle Bartlett,
Boston merchant Balfort deceives his
comrades. They meet at Hollis Tavern. While
there the place is attacked. The attack or the
marauders is valiantly resisted. One Of the
guests of the tavern is killed and from his
body Balfort recovers papers of great value
TO him. Balfort and Acton leave toDether,
Curtis remaining behind. They are pursued
and then fall in with a platoon OF British.
Balfort's papers enable him to pass himself
off as Captain Hazeltine, who leads the pur-
suit They reach New York and Balfort again
meets Deborah. While here. Balfort attends
G dinner at the home Of the Baroness Riedesel
One Of the guests, Atherton, ISLANDERS Deborah
and he and Balfort fight duel at SUNRISE the
next morning. BY appointment Balfort meets
Mistress Philipse at night by the Vauxhali
Gardens. During the interview Hazeltine ap-
pears Balfort hears that an attack is 10 be
made by the enemy, and while trying to carry
the information to his own lines is wounded
and placed in prison.l