The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1912-07-06
CHAPTER xxxlv.
Searching for ciaIro.

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Searching for Claire.
was unconscious. yet not for long.
The first touch of water served to re-
vive me, and became aware that an
arm supported my head, although
everything was indistinct before my
eyes.
more water. Nike" said voice
close at hand. Eyes. that will do.
Where is Farrelli Oh. Dan. this ID
Major Lawrence"
"One Of the Dragons said no was
In command. Hurt badly7"
mo, think not; but utterly ex.
hausted. and weak from loss Of blood.
They put up game fight"
"Only three on their feet when we
got In. Hullo. Lawrence, getting back
to the world, lad?"
"Yes," l managed to answer, feeling
strength enough to lift myself, and
vaguely noticing his features. "Is that
you. FarrellT'
1T certainly IT," cheerfully. "Duval
has his arm about you, and the Cam
den boys are herding those devils
down below. You had some fracas
from the way things look. How many
men had you?"
rubbed my head, endeavoring to
recollect, staring down into the hall.
It was filled with dead and wounded
men, and at the foot Of the stairs was
pile Of bodies.
Twelve, altogether" replied final
~. They-they were too many for
U.s."
Three to one, or more, should
Judge. We got here just in time"
was up now, looking into their
faces, slowly grasping the situation.
"Yes," said. feeling the necessity
of knowing. How did it happen1
What brought you? Washington"
"All natural enough. Clinton got
away night before last with what was
left Of his army. Left fires burning.
and made forced march to the ships
at Sandy Hook. Left everything to
save his troops. Washington. resliz-
ing the uselessness of holding them
longer. sent most Of his militia home.
About six miles out there on the pike
road half-crazy preacher named
jerks came up with US. He was too
badly frightened to tell straight
nave no conception Of how 1t works;
she made me turn my back while she
operated tho mechanism"
He stopped down. and began search
along the fireplace. and ! Joined him.
Tog< her our hands felt over every
inch Of surface. There was no re-
Spouse. not even q crack to guide W.
At last he glanced aside, and our eyes
met.
who knew Of this beside Claire1' r
he asked.
Eric and tho servant Swanson. She
told me shs and her brother discov-
cred 1t by accident through reading an
old memoranda"
"And the colonel Is not aware Of
Its existence?"
Il understand not. Do you know II
the boy lives?"
He left the room, and heard his
voice calling down the stairs, but did
not distinguish the words of reply. I
was still on my knees when he re.
turned.
He is alive. but unconscious, Law.
renee. Do you consider 1t impossible
for her to escape from here alone. pro-
viding she took refuge in this placer"
Il could find no opening, except I'm.
derground, and that is blocked now. "
I shuddered at the thought. Besides,
she must be in utter darkness. for I
used all tho candles"
"rhen we must get axes. and cut
our way in. Wait here, and will
bring up some of the men,"
I Strengthened up as he left the
room, and my eyes looked into q
small mirror above the open CRATE.
Good Heavens! Could that be my re.
Election! Bareheaded, my face streaked
with blood and dirt. my coat rags. my
shirt ripped to the waist. I scarcely
looked human. In sudden burst of
anger I reached out and gripped the
mirror. Jerking it savagely. Then
sprang back. Slowly, with faint
click Of the mechanism. the mantel-
piece was swinging open.
CHAPTER xxxv.
A Confession Of Love.