The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-09-07

Inc idu got away, with three 9TH
ers. sir, broke in a new voice at my
back. They wheeled and rode
through us, across the water. We
thought the horse guard would get
them over there. but l guess they
didn't; anyhow there was no firing,
The fellows must have turned in un-
der the bank, and rode like hell"
Satisfied as to this incident, and not
altogether regretful that the boy had
thus escaped, held a short consulta-
tion with Duval. seeking explanation
as to why the command had been 80
unceremoniously thrust upon me- A
few words only were required to make
the situation clear. Farrell's ability
to 1n1ure and annoy the enemy largely
depended on his leadership not being
known. While taking part In every
engagement. he always required his
Heutenants to represent him in nego-
tiations, SO that up to this time. what
ever the British might suspect, they
had no positive proof that he was
openly in arms against them. Duval,
In turn. taking advantage of my pres
ence, had shifted the responsibility to
my shoulders.
But what do you people do with
your prisoners asked.
Send 'em to the Continental lines
when We can" he explained. land II
we can't then turn 'em loose No use
parolng EN-. as they consider us
guerillas. II was you I'd run 'em
back to the farm house across the
nc ars hal
rid of this stuff. Maybe It'll take
| twenty-four hours to hide it all. and
burn the wagons. Then the boys can
| turn EN- loose, an there's no harm
done. I'd like to take that fellow
Grant into our lines-he's mean
pillaging devil-but it's too big a risk
Bristol is about the nearest picket
post, and the redcoats have got cav
| airy patrols all along in back of the
river"
But | cannot wait here" an
swered. impatiently. Farrell under
stood that. have important informa-
tion for Washington. and only came
with you tonight because you were
following along my route. I've got to
go on"
That's all right; just give your
| orders, and we'll attend to the rest
What we want is for these lads to
go back to Philadelphia saying they
we're attacked by force of militia un-
der command of an officer of the Con-
tinental line. That will give Clinton
scare, and turn suspicion away from
us. Grant knows you. | understand,
so he'll report the affair that way
You can be off within thirty minutes -
1t was easy to grasp the point of
view, and | saw no reason for refusing
assistance. | gave the necessary or
ders, standing under the torchlight in
full view, and waited while a squad
of partisans rounded up the disarmed
prisoners, and guarded them down the
slope to the edge of the stream
Teams were doubled up, and several
of the heavy wagons rumbled away
into the darkness. Two, too badly in
jured to be repaired were fired where
they lay. the bright flames lighting
up the high banks on either side the
road. found a big black horse. with
British arms on the bride. and pair
of loaded pistols in the holsters, a
fine-looking animal, and came back
into the fire glow. determined to lose
no more time. Duval had disappear
ed, but. as stood there looking about
for him to say goodbye, young
country fellow came up hurriedly
from out the darkenss.
You're wanted down thar" he said
with the jerk of thumb over his
shoulder The Tory officer wants
to see ye."
What officer? Captain Grant?"
Il reckon that's the one indiffer-
emily: anyhow I was told to fetch ye
down thar. Bannister sent me-"
! went as he directed down the
rutty road, my newly appropriated
horse trailing along behind. Grant
was pacing back and forth restlessly.
but, as soon as ] appeared within the
fire radius, he came toward me.
Can see you alone?" he asked
brusquely
IF there is any, reason for privacy,
certainly" l answered in surprise
What do you wish to say?"
This is matter strictly between
u.s." evasively. II prefer not to dis
cuss It publicly here"
l had suspicion of treachery, yet
was not willing to exhibit any reluc-
tance
Very good. Bannister," to the par
tisan In charge, Il want word with
Captain Grant and will be responsible
for his safe return"
The man looked after us doubtful
~. yet permitted us to pass beyond
the guard lines. There was stump
beside the ford, barely within ,ae flick
er Of the distant fire. and there stop
ped. leaning against my horse. and
turned 80 as to look into the mans
face.
We'll, Grant," / said, rather sternly
We are alone now; what is IT,"