The daily silver state. [volume] (Winnemucca, Nev.) 1903-1907, 1904-04-14
The Real
Offender


ilton of the staff sat writing In the gem
erals private office. Lieutenant Ralph
Tower. about Hamilton's uge-tEey
were both about twenty ~ive-entered.
"How are you. Ralph?" said Hamil'
ton. what can ! do for your
II understand you represent tic gen.
cral In his absence"
II do
"Have full power to give passesv
Hamilton smiled assent. He was
Washington's right hand man for far
more Important matters than writing
passes.
Where do you wish to go?" he asked
ITO Trenton to visit my sweetheart,
Marjorie Hastings"
What! The daughter of that old
Tory. Humphrey H~astings?"
''rhe same. The daughter Is heart
and soul with us. One of Howe's staff
Is In love with her. and her father ia
trying to force her 10 marry him. She
las sent me a message that she needs
10 see me on IL matter OF great impor'
lance
but If you enter the enemy's lines in
civilian clothes and you are caught you
Will he hanged for u spy"
II will take the risk"
Every well. If you insist | will give
you permission In the generals name.
You might us well be hanged for an
old sheep rs IL lamb. so keep your eyes
and ears open for information or
Howe's movements"
At o o'clock the same night Major
Tarbel of General Howe's staff was
sitting with Marjorie Hastings in her
fathers house at Trenton.
There must be some reason. Mario.
rie.'' he said. that you have not given
me Why you decline my Offer"
'"Trere is. but | cannot give it to you
witho4t mourning II risk of my father
knowing it. If it should come to his
ears he would send Inc to England"
Il promise on my honor to hold II
sacred"
We'll. them replied Marjorie. 81 am
bctrothed to an officer In the Cont
mental army"
With Il sigh the major arose and. re-
specially touching Marjorie's hand
with his lips. was about to withdraw
when both were startled by the sound
of shots without. Marjorie turned pale.
Major Tarbel strobe to the door. AS he
threw ii open he saw two order!ies
who were awaiting him standing with
ont and between them the figure of Il
young man of refined features dressed
In the clothes of II countryman. his coat
being of the coarsest texture and his
hose of conlnion yarn.
WHO are you:" asked Tarbel of the
captive.
Lieutenant Ralph Tower of the Con-
tinental army. | am neither spy nor
sGulkcr. but am here at the bidding OF
my letrothed. Marjorie Hastings"
Tarbel looked from one to the other.
then directed his orderlies 10 remain
without while their prisoner WAS in
vited to enter. and the door was clio ed.
Marjorie" said the major. Il find
myself in II position from which
would gladly be free. 1t is my duty TO
turn over Lieutenant Tower to be dealt
with by court martial"
During this brief interview Marjorie
had stood pale. her hand on her bosom
TO still the violent beating OF her heart.
When Tarbel announced his intention
she drew II few convulsive breaths
preparing for a desperate move, then
said:
Major Tarbel. If you hold Lieuten-
mt Tower he will be hanged for IL spy.
lie Is not the real spy. Yesterday
cent him n message to come to me. He
doesn't know what for"
Marjorie" said Ralph. II am sure
know. Your father Is about to force
you TO marry against your WILL"
You are wrong. Ralph. Only n few
mouents ago | confessed to Major
Tower that | was your betrothed. and
f, he was about to leave me. like the gen
tleman he Is. free to act my W pleas
ure. II Is for another matter | sum.
moned YOU" She thrust her hand into
her bosom. drew forth n paper and
handed ii to Tarbei. He opened it.
scanned II and saw that 1t contained
important Information concerning Gen
eral Eowe's army. then looked up at
Marjorie In CONSERVATION.
"Do your duty. Major Tarbei." she
said. Il confess that | summoned
Lieutenant Tower without his know
Ing my purpose to send this paper by
him to General Washington. | am the
real spy"
Tarbel stood s%nellbound for a few
moments. then began to rapidly think.
Marjorie" he said presently, "give
me that paper"
Nov" he continued. when she had
handed II 10 him. you must leave our
lines Mt once. II would be criminal In
me to permit you TO remain here after
what has occurred"
And Ralph?"
Upon your confession I am not
bound TO dotain him."
Ten minutes later one of Major Tar
bcls ordcrlies called n dominic who