Eastern Colorado times., 1912-09-13
CHAPTER KIN.

l ~ VI -
CHAPTER XIII.
A New Combination.
My first thought was that this must
prove q trap, and drew hastily back
behind the curtain, believing myself
justified in an effort at escape. Surely.
under such conditions, my word. Of
parole to Peter had no binding force.
Yet waited long enough to glance
forth again. The advancing body was
less than q hundred strong. Queens
Rangers and Hessians, from their uni
forms, straggling along on foot. limp
ing. dusty and without arms. These
command, released by their guard Of
partisans. and now wearily seeking
refuge. But why were they coming
heref Surely this was not the Phila.
delphia road?
They turned in upon the open lawn
in front Of the door. and could plain
ly distinguish the faces. There could
no longer be any doubt but what these
were the men we had fought and de-
feated the evening before. Grant. with
the two Hessian officers. was in ad.
vance, and the former strode directly
toward the house. while the majority
Of his following flung themselves at
full length on the ground. az though
utterly exhausted. Some strange fas-
cination held me motionless. watching
the man climb the front steps. The
iron knocker rang loudly twice before
there came any response from with
In. Then could hear voices. but the
words reaching me were detached, and
without definite meaning. Finally the
!! door closed, and the two men passed
along the hall, beyond the room In
which / waited. Then Peters voice
said solemnly, as II announcing dis.
tinguished guest:
Captain Alfred Grant,"
There was an exclamation Of sur
prise. quick exchange of sentences
indistinguishable. although was sure
OF Grants peculiar accent. and the
other voice was that Of the young
light Dragon lieutenant. Uncertain
what best to do stole toward the
door and gripped the knob. This was
the only known way out. for ! dare
not venture to use the window which
was In plain view Of those soldiers
resting on the lawn. Whether Peter
had retired or not, l possessed no
means OF knowing, yet opened the
door silently bare inch to make sure.
At the same instant my ears caught
the lieutenant's dismissing order. even
as my eyes had glimpse Of Swanson's
broad back blocking the open doorway
OF a room nearly opposite.
THAT will do. Peter. for the present.
Have the table prepared for three
guests at once"
He backed out. casting a quick
glance Of caution in my direction. and
disappeared down the hall. rubbing his
bald head industriously. opened the
door wider. wondering II dare ven
ture. upon slipping by unobserved.
Then Grant spoke, his voice loud
enough to be easily heard:
How did we come here7 Why.
| where else could we go? The damned
rebels stripped US clean; we had to
have food. This was the nearest
place where we were certain Of getting
any. OF course l didn't know our
foragers had left Elmhurst alone, and
| that-for some cause which mystifles
Clinton-these Jersey outlaws have
been equally considerate. There was
plenty to be had here, and meant to
have 1t in spite Of the servants"
"You must hare marched straight
past your own place." the boyish voice
interrupted.
well. what II we did? There was
nothing there, as you know. The
house has been stripped to a mere
shell. Not niger left, nor q horse.
I'd like to know what influence keeps
this property untouched"
That's easily answered. You forget
we are divided family. with fighting
men on either side"
Little these outlaws care for that"
AT least they appear to. as we re-
main unmolested. There has not been
raiding party halted here since the
war began
well, II you hadn't been at home,
| there would have been one along
now" burst forth Grant rather rough.
ly. "Those fellows out there are des-
perate enough to sack the house II
that was their only method Of getting
food. And ! promised they should have
the chance
"Oh, you did. indeed! That would
have proven friendly act"
Necessity does not take much ac-
1 - ST. l-Il