The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-06-26
MY LADY OF DOUBT
tcontinusd from Pas. ~

70 suppose him In the Jerseys at this
time"
Grant remained silent, probably not
wholly convinced that he was BEING
told the truth. and yet not venturins
20 state openly his suspicious. How.
ever the other said no more. and final.
ly the Ranger felt compelled to an
swer.
"Of course" he explained rather
lamely. Il couldn't altogether blame
you for conceaIing the boy II he had
shown up here, but you win realize
that as a Kings officer / have seri-
GUS duty to perform.
You would apprehend Ericf Would
betray him into British hands? Ii
that your meaning, Captain Grant,"
what else could do? Don't be
unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in
all that crew Of ragamuf1ns has done
us greater harm. Again and again he
has learned our secrets and brought
Washington information Of our plans.
ES~ he does it IL the mystery of this
department-Howe has personally Of
fered 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
lh4m?" / could feel the bitter Bcorr
in the voice. "In bis fathers homei"
n~~%oS-f~ afI au~~ffw sT ahar
search the house from cellar to sarrei
before leave"
But you are on parole
4 Damn the parole. What do / care
for a pledge given to band Of plum
dering outlaws? And what do 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
night was his planning, and that now
you have him hidden away here. Now
listen to mel do no. desire to be
harsh, but I'm soldier. Ny men ars
not -rmed, 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 ths
roomsf"
Il do. II you had been little more
genial / might have exhibited greater
courtesy. But haven't any use fol
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.
or at last. / am sincerely glad Of it
From now ON shall never again be
guilty Of mistaking you for friend OF
q gentleman. No, have no wish To
listen to another word; you have
spoken frankly enough, and I under
stand the situation. Perhaps It 10 only
anger, but 1t gives me the excuse J
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
now as a revengeful liar. Treat this
house as you please. refuse to have
any more dealings or words with you
I'll provision you and your men, as J
would any others suffering from hun,
ger, but that ends all. II you search
this house do 1t by force, and in any
way you please, but expect no assist
Rnoe from me. bid you good-day. sir
and will send Peter to call you when
breakfast is ready"
closed the crack OF the door an he
came forth into the hall, having nc
desire to be caught listening. Ny OWL
position was more unpleasant and han
ardous than ever. Whatever reason
he lieutenant might have for holding
me prisoner was convinced he pos
sessed no knowledge as to my real
Identity. The probability was that aft
or an interview would be released
But Grant would recognize me In
stantly, and he proposed searching the
house, room by room, seeking this
MN Eric. must make my escape first
Yet how could this be accomplished
I heard Peter pass along the hall, and
polemnly announce the serving oil
breakfast. He and Grant exchanged
n few sentences. and then the latter
strobe to the front door, where he
gave ord,rs to the men. watched
the Germ n facers come up the steps
while tn majority Of the others form
tng into irregular line, march around
the corner OF the house. A small squad
remained. however, on guard. facing
the front entrance.
RuAn~En NsO