Las Vegas optic., 1912-05-01

wnss Ssss ccssc -Sog Don't be
hnreasonablei Boy as he is, no one in
al that crew Of ragamufins has done
ns greater harm Again and again he
has learned our secrets and brought
Washington information Of our plans.
How he does 1t is the mystery OF this
eepartment-Howe has personally Of
Tered thousand pounds for his arrest.
Surely you know that. Last night |
thought we had him in our power, but
The very devil seems to protect him
from capture, even when luck brings
him fairly within our grip"
"And so you came here to search for
nim?" could feel the bitter scorn
In the voice. I'm his fathers home!"
/. Il certainly did," angrily. Il shall
search the house from cellar to garret
before leave"
But you are on parole"
Damn the parole. What do l care
Tor pledge given to a band Of plum
hering outlaws? And what do l care
for Eric? He chose for himself, and
has no right to expect any mercy from
me, and by all the gods, he'll receive
none. / half believe that attack last
might was his planning. and that now
gou have him hidden away here. Now
listen to mel / do not desire to be
harsh, but I'm soldier My men are
not armed, but there are enough out
there to handle the servants bare
handed. No one can get out of this
house without being seen: I've attend
ed to that"
"And you propose searching the
rooms?"
Il do. If you had been little more
genial l might have exhibited greater
courtesy. But haven't any use for
Eric, and never had. Now you know
the truth"
1T merely illustrates more clearly
your character"
You are always free enough with
your comments. / shall do my duty
to the King"
Very well. sir" and the incensed
lieutenant pushed back his chair.
''Then we clearly understand each 9TH
er at last. am sincerely glad Of 1t.
From now ON shall never again be
guilty Of mistaking you for a friend or
q gentleman. No, have no wish to
listen to another word; you have
spoken frankly enough, and I under
stand the situation. Perhaps 1t is only
anger, but 1t gives me the excuse
have been seeking after long while
IN vain. Whatever claim you may
have had upon my regard in the past
Is over with, forever over with, Cap
tain Grant"
~But-but, surely"
Il mean precisely that. You can
cover your despicable actions with the
gloss OF military duty, but know you
row as ssvengeful liar. Treat this
you please. / refuse to have
----iealings or words with you.
ns2n you and your men, as l
others suffering from hun
1T ends all. II you search
lsags1 70 it by force, and in any
addEl ease, but expect no assist
tion ole. I bid you good-day, sir,
resnlt d Peter to call you when
-, vready." u
Ne" sf.lok OF the door as he
canoe hato the hall, having no
azlonisbaught listening. My own
&ositid b more unpleasant and haz-
ardouS r. Sever. Whatever reason ]
the neuV hant might have for holding ,
m&pfiso4er was convinced he pos
sessed no knowledge as to my real
identity. probability was that aft
er an interview would be released.
But Grant would recognize me In ,
Btantly, and he proposed searching the
house, room by room, seeking this 3
man Eric. must make my escape first.
Yet how could this be accomplished? i.
Z heard Peter pass along the hall, and
announce the serving of /.
breakfast. He and Grant exchanged !
q few sentences, and then the latter
strode to the front door. where he
CAV orders to the men. l watched ,
I'll \rman officers come up the steps,
wh the majority of the others form
ing into irregular line, marched around
the corRer Of the house. A small squad
remained, however, on guard, facing ,
the front entrance.