The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1912-06-27

squad OF soldiers with kxnR. Then vhat7
The probability was that ho was 9th
or riding 70 Elmhurst. or to some reA,
devious with Fagin. Some plan had
been interrupted by Clinten's sudden
march. by the British defeat at Mon
mouth. and Grant was risking his
commission. Drawing the charge Of de-
serion. for some private purpose.
This might be love OF Claire, revenge
upon Eric, OF possibly both combined.
The latter would seem most probable.
He would use Eric In some way to
threaten the sister to compel her TO
sacrifice herself. She was OF a nature
20 do this, as was already sbundantly
proved by her assumption OF male
attire 10 save Erlc's reputation. My
own responsibility loOmed large as
reached this conclusion, and remem-
bered her appeal for help. She, also.
must suspect the truth. and had turned
TO me as the only one capable Of un.
raveling the mystery. She trusted me,
loved me. ] now belIeved-and, under
God. ! would prove worthy of Der faith.
With teeth clinched In sudden deter.
mination ] caught up with my little
squad Of plodding horsemen. and, with
word OF command, hurried them into
a sharp tsot
Riding ahead, boot TO boot with
Conroy. thought out a plan for ac-
ton, and finally. in the gray OF the
morning. told him enough OF the story
TO arouse his interest Just before
sunrise we passed Elmhurst, the great
white mansion appearing silent and
deserted. There was no hating. al
though we turned In the saddle to
look, and my eyes swept over thu
troopers trotting behind us. They were
a sturdy lot. their faces bronzed from
exposure. their uniforms stained and
Undiscovered.
"Regulars?" I asked, nodding back
across my shoulder.
Not a man but has seen two years.
service" he replied proudly. "Ham-
ilton knows the troop. and he picked
us out"
81 may need them for bit OF des-
perate work"
Good. sergeant; Wen ride hard.
and trust 10 getting fresh horses in
Philadelphia. Ill tell Arnold the story.
When We arrive there have your men
get all the sleep they can. I'll attend
90 rations and ammunition. You are
simply to have the men rested and
ready. Cannot we make better timer
'Ea In 10
We passed swiftly over the level.
country, meeting few stragglers. but
paying them small attention. BY two
o'clock we were on the banks OF the
Delaware. and a half-hour later,
swung down stIfiiy from the saddle in
front Of Arnold's headquarters on
High street.
He was an officer I never greatly
liked, with his swapping eyes and ar
rogant manner. but he was courteous
enough on this occasion. questioning
me after reading the dispatch. and sf-
fering me a glass Of wine.
You look tired. major. and must
rest before you start back. shall
have my report ready by SHUTDOWN"
General Arnold" said. standing
respectfully hat In hand. Il have a IA
vor 10 ask-that you will send your
report by some other messenger. and
give me a detail for special service"
He looked up In surprise.
Special service. sirl But you are
not assigned to my command"
THAT IL true. general" insisted.
but the conditions warrant the un-
usual application"
what service Is contemplated
"An attempt to kill or capture Red
Fagin. and release scout whom ]
believe he holds prisoner"
you hope to accomplish all this
aionef"
with the assistance OF the sergeant
and ten dragons who came here with
me. They are in camp now on the
Jersey shore"
He walked across the room. stared
out OF the window. and then again
faced ne.
by Cad. SIR. this is = most extraor'
binary request. Damme. I'd like to
get hold OF Fagin all right. but need
TO know more OF your plan. and the
reason you have for asking such q
detail. 1t looks foolhardy to my
mind"