The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-06-20

guard. merely got BHmpSS ~ snu
fellow as we rode in, and he looked
81 deviIishly like Eric that asked
Delavan who the lad was He said he
had Joined at Mount Holly with three
men, was going through to Philadel-
phIa With dispatches from New York,
and was only too glad Of escort the
rest Of the way. Being short Of OH
GERS Delavan gave him charge Of the
van"
did he recognize you?"
Il hardly think SO; it was pretty
dark, and was put on guard over the
rear wagons. / supposed ! would have
ample opportunity to learn the truth
after it became daylight"
''But you believed him to be Eric"
eyes, and after the attack was
convinced. He and the three men with
him bolted and got away. Must have
run at the first fire. for the fellows
had US completely hemmed in. 1t was
Eric all right, and that is about half
the reason why led my men back
here-I wanted to find out II he was
hiding about the old place. Is it true
you haven't seen him?"
"Quite true; indeed l had no reason
to 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 venturing
to state openly his suspicious. How
ever the other said no more, and final
" the Ranger felt compelled to an
swer.
"Of course" he explained rather
Iamely, Il couldn't altogether blame
you for concealing the boy IL he had
shown up here, but you will realize
that as a Kings officer have seri-
GUS duty to perform"
'You would apprehend Eric? Would
betray him into British hands? Is
that your meaning, Captain Grant,"
What else could do? Don't be
unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one In
all that crew Of ragamufins has done
us greater harm. Again and again he
has learned our secrets and brought
Washington information Of our plans.
How he does it is the mystery Of this
observation-disclosures 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 30 you came here to search for
him" / could feel the bitter scofn
In the voice. "In his fathers homel"
Il certainly did," angrily. Il shall
search the house from cellar to garnet
before leave"
"But you are on parole"
Damn the parole. What do care
for 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 me! / do not desire to be
harsh, but I'm a 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?"
II do. II you had been little more
genial / might have exhibited greater
courtesy. But haven't any use for
Eric, and never had. Now you know
the truth"
ut 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 it.
From now on / shall never again be
guilty Of mistaking you for a friend or
gentleman. No. have no wish to
listen to another word; you have
spoken frankly enough, and under
stand the situation. Perhaps it 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"
4 mean precisely that. You can
cover your despicable actions with the
gloss OF military duty, but l 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 I
would any others suffering from hun
ger, but that ends all. If you search
this house do it by force, and in any
way you please, but expect no assist
ance from me. / bid you good-day, sir,
and win send Peter to call you when
breakfast is ready"
/ closed the crack of the door as he
came forth into the hall, having no
desire to be caught listening. Ny own
nouffiOn Vac rooro sspn1aooonf ovd bo1