Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1911-03-14

voted to me, has given me some I'M.
portant information regarding the
number and distribution of British
troops in New Jersey. | have taken
notes of what he has told me in diff
ferent conversations / have had with
him, and you win find them on this
bit of paper"
She placed it in his hand. and he
had only time to put ii under the lin
ing of his hat when there was a rap
on the outer door.
"Great heavensv' cried the girl, turn
ing pale. suppose It should be Major
Tarrantr'
Casting about for a hiding place, she
noticed the clock standing by the wall
Running to it, she opened the door.
exposing its weights and the pendu-
lum swinging back and forth God
dard knew intuitively what she wish
ed him to 40 and with difficulty
squeezed himself into It. Fortunate
~ he was slenderly made for the
clock. though long, was narrow. Ruth
had no sooner closed the clock than
the door of the room was opened by
the negro servant and Major Tarrant
entered
"Why, Mistress Grosvenori" he ex-
claimed. Where has that becoming
color of yours gone? And you are
breathing as though you had been run
ming race"
She made plea of indisposition tc
account for her appearance and invit
ed the major to be seated.
II have today received orders from
General Howe" he said, ito march
my command to Trenton. have
come for the last time before my de-
parture to ask you If you cannot give
me favorable answer to my suit.
You know that l love you and that
when this cursed rebellion Is over I
would gladly take you back to Eng
land with me as my wife Come, Ruth,
be kind to me-"
He attempted to take her hand, but
she drew 1t away.
Goddard, almost smothered In the
clock, was forced to listen to this
avowal, though 1t troubled him to be
an eavesdropper. Indeed, cramped as
he was and irritated at being placed
in such position, he could not re-
strain a movement. This swung
weight against the side of the clock.
The major turned and looked at the
clock in surprise. Ruth by a great
effort retained her equanimity.
"Those horrid nicer she exclaimed.
"They are all over the house. They
have gnawed a hole in the bottom of
the clock and are making a home
there"
II see-the clock has stoppedw the
major remarked thoughtfully.
"That is because / don't dare to wind
It, / confess | have a woman's dread
of mouse"
Fortunately Major Tarrant was too
in the clock, and Ruth was relieved
when he repeated his request to give
him an answer, and a favorable one,
to his suit. For an hour young God
dard was obliged to maintain q con-
strained position, listening to the Of
him impossible to repress another
movement But both the weights and
the pendulum hung loose. He remem-
bered how Ruth had saved him on his
first movement and dreaded that she
might not be able to do so again. On
nd in
Ruth's handwriting. If he were caught
with these he would swing from the end
of rope and no one could tell what
punishment would be melted out TO
the girl who had given him the In
formation.
But maintaining one position for a
long while is well nigh impossible for
any person, and Goddard was of
nervous temperament Fired Of bear
ing his weight on his right foot, he at
tempted to change 1t to his left. In
doing so he joggied the pendulum.
"There is certainly something wrong
with that clock" said the major. I'm
going to see what 1t is"
Ruth, considering her lover lost, fell
In a swoon. 1t was the best thing she
could have done. Tarrant forgot the
clock in her. Lifting her, he placed
her on sofa and ran out Of the
room for water TO sprinkle In her
face. Goddard, hearing the commo-
ton, opened the clock door, looked
out. saw his sweetheart lying uncon-
scious and was about to free himself
from his prison to go to her wnen ne
heard footsteps and, closing the door,
remained where he was. Tarrant re-
turned and sprinkled water in Ruth's
face. But she had revived immedi-
ately and did not need it. Neverthe-
less she remained immovable, with
closed lids, till she had made up her
mind what to do.
Leave me-" she said to Tarrant
when she opened her eyes. II should
have been in bed this evening. Call
the servant, then go away at once.
Come tomorrow and / will give you
my answer If I am able TO see you
/ will give it verbally; IL not / will
write it,
But this illnessr' Tarrant exclaim-
ed anxiously.
"'Tis nothing; merely a weak heart.
I think that by tomorrow morning l
shall be as well as ever"
The major left her with hope beat
ing high In his heart.
The next afternoon farmer called
at Washington's headquarters and
asked to see the general Captain
Hamilton was sent to see what he
wanted Recognizing Goddard, he
took him into washington's Office, and
the farmer gave him the memoranda
he had brought with him.
This is very Important exclaimed
the general. becoming absorbed In the
paper: hut presently looking m he