The Cairo bulletin., 1912-06-10
CHAPTER XII.
I Interview Peter.

| accepted the wine gratefully, and
sat in silence while he served the
meat, wondering AZ the odd character
of the man, and striving to determine
how best TO win his confidence. | was
hungry, and, not knowing what to say,
fell TO work with some zest, insisting
on his doing likewise. Yet even as
disposed Of the food that stolid face
opposite fascinated me, and held my
gaze. The fellow was not so big a
fool as he looked. for while the fea-
lures remained expressionless and va
cant, there was a sly glimmer to the
eye, betraying an active, observant
mind behind the mask. | began to
suspect some purpose in his play act
ing.
What ia your name, my mani"
asked finally, made nervous by his
silence.
Peter Swanson, SIR" humbly.
"Oh, a Swede?"
by ancestry only, SIR" he explained,
wiping his mouth with a corner Of the
napkin, but not lifting his eyes from
the plate. "T is hundred years since
we crossed the sea"
And you've been good Kings men
ever since?"
He cooked one eye up at me.
ut would seem so, sir"
"The fellow with the gray chin beard
was irish, was mt herr .....
ne might be, sir"
"a Swede, an Irishmaf, and an In
dian." | said musingly. THAT makes
a nice combination for the Queens
Rangers. Come now, Peter, give me
the straight Of all this"
He stopped with his fork in bit OF
meat, favoring me with another stare.
81 think fail to comprehend, sir"
NO, you don't, you rascal bit OF
anger in myavoice. did you bring
this supper yourself, or were you sent
here?"
Under orders, SIR"
1.-THE lieutenant"
He bowed solemnly, and asked:
would you object II smoked. sir?'
Certainly not; only answer my
questions. Good heavens, man! do you
think am log of wood? Act like a
human being. Who is the lieutenant?
"A Dragon, sir"
peter | broke out, irritated be,
yond patience, 81 have some reason to
believe you q liar But I'm going to
get the truth from you IL l have TO
choke 1t OUT
yes sir; very good, indeed, sir
However, there would seem to be nc
need Of your resorting to such ex
IRENE measures, sir"
"Then you will tell me what | wish
to know"
at win afford me pleasure, sir"
Somehow | could not rid myself OF
the suspicion that the fellow was Sc
cretly laughing at me, yet his round
face was innocent and placid. his eyes
discreetly lowered
"Then kindly inform me, first OF all
who this young lieutenant IS"
II fear, sir" solemnly, that | may
have mIsinformed you when l sale
he was Dragoon."
"Yesi" eagerly.
II would correct my statement some
what--he is a Light Dragon. sir
In spite of my effort at self-control
I swore, tempted to batter that stole
face. yet realizing the utter useless
ness Of such violence.
Nov, see here!" broke fortf
fercely. Have done with your play
You are no soldier; | doubt II yot
were ever on horses back until to
night. And those fellows with you are
not Queens Rangers, I'll swear"
"How do you know, sir?" he inter
rupted gently. "Are you in the army
sir?"
"Of coure I am" cried, answering
without consideration.
II thought so, sir; although YOU
clothes do not proclaim the fact. May
/ ask which army?"
He had turned the tables most neat
ly, and glanced down over my rough
garments, awakening suddenly to thu
knowledge that | was also In mas