River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-10-17
CHAPTER xvII.-continued.


| stepped across the pile of things
10 the window, glancing out at the
still smouldering ruins of the stable
Whatever had occurred, neither the
lady nor Peter remained about the
house. OF this I was satisfied, yet
with the realization there came sud
den comprehension Of my own help
Jessness to be OF any aid.
From the window where | stood not
house was visible. Just beyond the
orchard the roads forked, a Well-trav-
eled branch circling to the left, and
disappearing over the edge of hill.
AS ! traced It with my eyes a con
siderable body of mounted men sud
denly appeared on the summit. With
out fear that they could see me at that
distance / watched eagerly as they
trotted down the long slope. They
were plainly a squadron of British
Dragons, their arms and cross-belts
shining in the sun, in spite of the dust
kicked UP by their horses hoofs.
/ waited until convinced they were
coming to the house, before drawing
back out of sight. 1t was difficult to
decide what was best for me to dc
Should | wait, trusting to my rough
clothing, and pass myself off as coun-
tryman, or take advantage of the brief
time left in which to escape? If
essayed the first choice / could ex-
plain the situation, and start these
troopers on the trail; if not they might
fail to understand and ride on thought
lessly. What such body of mounted
men were doing in the neighborhood
| could merely guess at-either they
were riding through to New York on
some matter of Importance, or else had
been sent out hurriedly to discover
what had become of Delavan's fora
gers. This supposition was the more
likely, and they had taken the wrong
road. thus missing Grant and his men
in the darkness.
The must have cut through the or
chard, leaping the low fence, for
heard the thud Of hoofs even as
drew back into the upper hall. Then
a voice gave a sharp command.
Circle the men about the house
Simmons. There is something wrong
here, and l saw fellow at that upper
window as we came down the hill
Move quick, now!"
| must face them, and went forward
to the head of the stairs, anticipating
an easy explanation of my presence
within. Already quite squad was in
side the front door bending over the
bodies and staring about curiously.
pine Robbers, eh, colonel?" sale
one contemptuously. THAT fellow has
cutthroat written all over him. DOM
see any signs OF our men here
Queen Ranger lying back of the
stairs. sir" reported soldier briefly;
Irish lookin' mug"
The man addressed as colonel, {
Ranger himself from his green uni
form, looked up quickly and saw me
He called out an order, and three Of
four men sprang up the stairs, grasp
ing and leading me down. | made NJ
resistance, not realizing l was in an!
danger. The colonel. tall man will
gray mustache and goatee, and dark
searching eyes, faced me sternly.
What are you doing here, sir
Come, speak up! What does all ,thi
mean?" and he swept his hand abou
in gesture. esN G
Il came along about thirty minute
ago. explained, beginning to appre
ciate my situation, from the suspicion
glances cast at me, and recalling how
disreputable my appearance must be
II found things just as they are now
sir. There's been fight and rob
berry"
That's plain to be seen; are thes
all the bodies?"
Yes, sir, but the house is upsid
down from end to end
You saw no one? No British so
diers?'
shook my head. conscious of tn
fierce grip with which 1 was bein
held. A couple of the men dragge
out the body from behind the stair:
and as the face came into the ligh
thes colonel's eyes saw it. heard tn
sharp breath expelled through his lip'
AZ he stared down into those ghastl
features.
Good Lord! Egcea Whist in Il