Belding banner. (Belding, Mich.) 1889-1918, 1910-08-04

Faith reasoned; then, how could he
find an opportunity to harm an Of
ficer In Washington's camp?
A chill stormy day was drawing to
it's close as Faith Harding stood at
the kitchen window watching the
descent of snowfiakes. Her thoughts
were with a certain young officer II
he was comfortable and sheltered
from the storm.
Suddenly, four horsemen gailoped
through the falling snow and drew
COW was feeding.
One glance told the two women
that the horsemen were British sol.
diers. Hitching their horses. the
troopers strobe boldly into the house
and up to the fireplace. where log
was cheerfully burning.
They were coarse faced men and
the fumes of their breath gave EVIL
dence to their having freely .imbibed
but short time before. Their rude
ness caused Mrs. Harding and Faith
to shrink back with apprehension and
loathing
It's beastly cold outside" observed
the leader, stamping his feet before
the hearth. Here, beauty" to Faith,
you and the old woman fly around
and get us up warm supper. You
Americans have to be forced into
showing hospitality. Be lively. We've
got job to attend to and supper
will brace us up"
With as good grace as 1t was pos
sible to command, under the circum-
stances, the women at once prepared
a warm meal for their unbidden
guests.
AS the ravenous troopers arranged
themselves around the smoking
viands, the leader addressed the
women In these words:
las we have some important bust
ness to discuss among ourselves, we
will excuse you ladies and serve our
selves"
of their unwelcome visitors, Mrs.
Harding and her daughter went into
an adjoining room, then mounted a
ladder to an attic over the kitchen
Scarcely had they gained this re-
treat, when they heard a horseman
coming furiously up the rocky road
Of the bluff.
Looking from small window, Faith
recognized the newcomer.
Mother" she announced, ut Is
Warren Dalton. He is coming to the
house. Some plot must be brewing"
II fear So" answered the mother.
II am going down the ladder and
listen from the clothes closet" said
the girl.
do be cautious, child" whispered
the mother, reluctant to see her go.
The table at which the troopers sat
was only a few feet from the little
closet where Faith crouched to listen.
Inclining her ear to the thin partition
she could overhear their conversation
distinctly.
Warren Dalton. after greeting the
troopers. had made himself comfort
able before the fireplace.
We'll, what news. Dalton?" asked
the leader.
Good" returned Dalton with a
triumphant laugh.
so we can bag the young fox to.
night?"
Yes, tonight" answered Dalton
with an OATH
You will remove an enemy from
my path, and at the same time cap
ture one who can give you all the
army's plans now Matching over al
Morristown."
Good" cried the leader. The
general would give deal to know
the schemes now being concocted In
the brain OF that sly old fox in those
hills. The young officer can supply
this information II we have to torture
1t out Of him. How did you manage
the business!'
I've been watching Major Ridge
ways movements very closely" re
piled Dalton with a chuckle. To-day
he has been visiting his grandfather
I've just come from him. Disgusting
myself / carried to him false mes
sage from the widow here, whom
reported very i'll and DESTROYS Of see
ing him. Ridgeway is dead in low,
with this girl, and he promised to b,
here just as soon as he can tear him
self away from his doting grand
parents"
"He may suspect that something Il
wrong and fail to come" suggested
one of the troopers.
HE suspects nothing" declared
Dalton. He'll be here in an hour a
least. Finish your supper and con
ceal your horses. The game will wall
right into the sack"
Waiting to hear no more, Faitl
climbed back up the ladder and whis
pered In her mothers ear the boil,
plot she had overheard. I'm goinl
to outwit Warren Dalton, mother.
said the girl, her eyes flashing reso
lutely.
How can you do II, child?"
I'll mount Dalton's Blueskin an,
ride forth TO meet Major Ridgewa
, and warn him Of the plot" exclaime
aTNl