River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-12-05

taking re for some one else, and took
me to Elmhurst AS soon as she
learned my identity she acknowl
edged her error But l have not
learned yet why she was with Della
van. or for whom she mistook me-"
The lad drew in his breath sharp
ly, gripping me by the shoulder
by the Lord Harry!" he exclaimed
excitedly There isn't another girl
in the Colonies who would have done
it. I'll bet I can explain, but even
didn't think she would ever have the
nerve to perform such a deed. told
you I left my papers there. forgot
them where | changed my clothes. You
see came out wearing the uniform of
British dragoon lieutenant, and had
it all planned out to join Delavan. and
guide him toward Philadelphia over
the Lone Tree road. just before left
our camp at Valley Forge on this trip
l received orders from Washington to
keep my eyes open for courier rid
ing from Philadelphia to New York
with Clintons plans OF evacuation.
Hamilton seemed to know all about
this, and sent me special instructions.
| talked of it with Claire, planned how
was going to waylay him, and to-
gether we fixed up those servants as
soldiers to- help me carry out the de-
ception."
He paused, chuckling, and halted.
eager TO learn the rest.
and when you disappeared; when,
perhaps, she heard of your capture,
CT suspected it, she assumed the dis
carded uniform and went forth in
your stead"
That's it, Lawrence. She would,
if she thought it was right; if she be-
lieved such an act necessary to save
my reputation. I'll bet she found the
papers in my pocket, and mistook you
for Clinton's dispatch bearer"
There is no doubt of it," said So
Iarly. AND that wasn't all She did
tt protect you. 1t was the talk at
LeS's headquarters that you had de-
serted. She stamped that lie, by
riding into our lines day before yes
terday. bringing an exact report OF
where Clinton was marching. | didn't
see her. but heard all about it, an6
you get the credit. Washington told
me with his own lips, and granted her
permission to remove your father, who
was badly wounded, to Elmhurst."
Good God! Are they here now?"
"They must have reached here early
Yesterday morning. l passed them on
the road at ten o'clock. Grant had
lust Joined their party, claiming to
be hunting after deserters.
He chung to the fence rail, staring
out toward the house. Ep
Grant! Do you know, believe
that fellow is at the bottom of this
whole affair. He's in love with Claire.
and-and he's working some scheme
to gain power over her..
Several schemes, | think, | re-
turned heartily. 1--WE nipped two OF
them in the bud already. Someway,
Mortimer. he got possession of those
instructions you received from Wash
ington and Hamilton. | ran into him
| over there on the lawn, back of the
summer-house. He was threatening
| Claire, trying to drive her into mar
rying him offhand. We had a bit OF
fight. and l got the best of it. When
left wore his coat, and later found
your papers in his pocket. Do you
remember how they were addressed!
! He shook his head.
| Simply Mortimer. 1t occurred to
me he could turn them over to Clin-
ton. accuse the colonel of treason, and
share in the confscation of this es'
tate, or else hold them as a threat
over your sister. burned them"
| He was silent for a long minute;
breathing hard; then he thrust out his
hand and clasped mine.
(TO BE CONTINUED)