The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-08-22


while the other was sitting on the
ground, his head bent forward, and
his hat drawn low over his eyes. Nei-
Their had uttered sound, but as my
eyes strained through the darkness
began to perceive details which
awakened a new suspicion. The Eel.
low standing up wore a cap and no
coat. and his hands were clasped
about a shqrt, sawed-of gun. He had
none OF the appearance of the sol
der, but the other man apparently
was In uniform, although ] could not
distinguish its character What I'M
stantly attracted my attention was the
fact that his hands were evidently
tied behind his back. II this was true
then he was o prisoner, and the other
had been stationed there to guard him,
and not the horses. Tom perceived
this as soon as /, for felt his fingers
grip my arm.
Creep around tho edge Of the rock
there" said. pointing. "That will
bring You at his back, and not more
than FIVE feet away. Can you do TT"
He nodded grimly.
leave your weapons here" added,
and when you spring. get hold of his
gun so he cannot fire III cover him
the instant you strike Go on"
He unbuckled his belt, and crept
along to the right, SO noiselessiy that
even /, watching his snake-like move
ment, could hear no sound The
guard did not move his head, and the
other remained motionless. his face
bent almost to his knees. Down be-
low the horses stamped restlessly,
and switched their tails. Watching
each motion like a hawk, saw Tom
dip over the crest, and worm his way
down behind the rock. The he dis
appeared, until, as he cautiously arose
to his feet, his head and shoulders
emerged shadowy just beyond Real
izing he was ready, got to my knees,
gripping pistol butt Without a
warning sound the dragon leaped, his
arms gripping the astounded sentinel
with the hug Of bear, He gave ut
terance to one grunt, and then the
barrel OF my pistol was at his head.
'Not a world" / said sternly. "Un-
clasp his belt, Tom. Yes, take his
gun. If he moves, or utters sound,
shoot him down"
wheeled to face the other. who
had lifted his head, and was staring at
US through the darkness. He was no
longer a mere shapeless shadow, but
a slender. straight figure, and my
heart gave a sudden throb
who are your" / asked sharply.
Eric Mortimer9"
Yes" he answered, In evident SUR
prise, "Do / knew your"
NO" and cut the rope binding
his ankles, "But ] was searching for
you, am an officer Of Maxwells bril-
gade; my name Is Lawrence. Tell
me first what has happened-why you
are being held prisoner"
He stretched his cramped arms and
legs, lifting his hat so that saw his
face dlmly. In the gloom his resem-
blance to Claire was so remarkable
that involuntarily exclaimed;
"Heavensl but you look like your
sisterl"
Like Clairei they all say SO; you
know herr"
1T is at her request am here;
you need not fear to tell me your
story"
"oh, do not. I can see your uni
form. But damn it. / don't know any
too much about what is up myself.
This is Red Fagin's outfit"
Il thought so. Where did he get
your How long have you been q pris-
oner9'
The boy laughed recklessly. his eyes
upon the others.
well. my story Is a short one,
Lawrence, / had fellow in the Brit
ish service who occasionally gave me
information. Word came to me to
meet him at certain spot
"You mean Captain Grant9"
He'll How did you know that2"
Never mind; ] do know-so you
can 80 on"
Il had no Intention of speaking
names"
"oh. let that pass. You may think
Grant all right. but the rest of us
know he Is at the bottom OF the whole
matter"
"You mean he betrayed meg'
There is no doubt of it. He is in
with Fagin."
The lad drew long breath.
Il half suspected It" he said slowly,
"only 1t didn't seem possible. Now
listen, and perhaps together we can
make something out of all this. I
went to the place where we were 70
meet, and had talk with Grent-
yes, it was Grant all right. He told
me some things, but needed a day or
two to get other information. While
waiting l came over here to Elmhurst,
and found Claire. She's the kind OF
girl You can tell things to, and wrote
out what had learned, and left some
of my papers. Then / went back to
Lone Tree. It was dark when I got
there, and rode right into Fagin and
three Of his men. They had me before
could lift a hand"
"Just wait a minute, Mortimer"
broke in, becoming suddenly aware