The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-11-02

received twenty-four hours carrier.
They had been delivered at headquar-
ters by an officer of Lees stan; no.
not a boyish-looking fellow. but
black-bearded captain whose name had
been forgotten. All Hamilton could
remember was that the notes had been
originally brought in by an Indian
scout. Eager to discover Eric Morti-
mer l asked a weeks release from
duty but there was 30 much sickness
in the camp. that this request was re-
fused, and l was ordered to my regi-
ment.
Busy days and nights Of fatigue fol-
lowed. Washington. watching like
hawk every movement of Sir Henry
Clinton In Philadelphia. convinced by
every report received that he was
about to evacuate the city. bent all
his energies toward placing his little
army in f1t condition for battle. Some
recruits were received. the neighbor-
ing militia were drawn upon, and men
were taken from the hospitals. and
put back into the ranks az soon az
strong enough to bear arms. Inspired
by the indomitable spirit Of our COM
mander. the line officers worked inces-
sanity in the welding together OF their
commands. l scarcely knew what
sleep was, yet the Importance Of the
coming movement of troops held me
steadfast to duty. Word came to US
early in June that Count d'Estaing.
with powerful French fleet. was ap-
preaching the coast. This surely
meant that Clinton would be COM
PEELED to retreat across the Jerseys.
| and a portion OF our troops were ad-
vanced so as to be within easy strik
ing distance Of the city the moment
the evacuation took place. The re-
naming commands pressed farther
\ north, near convenient crossings Of
the Delaware, prepared for a forced
march across the British line OF re-
treat. Maxwells brigade. with which
l was connected, even crossed the
river in advance. cooperating with
General Dickinson and his New Jersey
militia. All was excitement. commo-
ton. apparently disorder, yet even
amid that turmoil Of approaching bat
tie, Hamilton recalled my request. and
granted me two days leave. His brief
note reached me at Coryell's Ferry,
and. an hour later, was riding swiftly
across the country to where Lee had
headquarters.
Not once during all those days and
nights had the memory of Claire left
me. Over and over in my mind / had
reviewed all that had ever occurred
between US, striving in vain to guess
the riddle. Now l would see and talk
with her brother. and perhaps obtain
the explanation needed. Yet l have
gone into battle with less trepidation
than when / rode into Lees headquar.
ters, and asked his chief-of-staff for
Eric Mortimer. He looked at me
strangely, as l put the question.
Il should be very glad to oblige you,
Major Lawrence" he replied gravely,
but unfortunately l have no present
knowledge Of the young man."
But he was attached to General
Lees staff?"
Only in a way-he was useful to
us as scout because Of his intimate
knowledge of the Jerseys. His home,
l understand, was near Mount Holly"
What has become of him?"
"All l know is, he was sent out on
| .
own orders, nearly a month ago We
have not directly heard from him
since. An Indian brought a partial re-
port of his operations up to that time;
since then we have received nothing"
"An Indian" exclaimed "The same
who brought In my notes?"
Il believe so; yes, now that recall
the matter. l had no opportunity to
question the fellow; he simply left the
papers with the orderly, and disap-
peared."
And you have heard nothing from
young Mortimer since?"
mot a word"
He must be dead, or a prisoner"
The chief smiled rather grimly.
"Or deserted" he added sharply. "I
am more inclined toward that theory. |
He was a reckless young devil, attract
ed to our service more, 1t seemed to
me, by spirit Of dare-deviltry than
patriotism. Lee thought we'll Of him,
but was always easpicious. He be-
longed to family of loyalists, his ia
ther colonel Of Queens Rangers
Did you know him, Lawrence?"
THE father. not the son. But am
not willing to believe evil OF the boy.
l cannot conceive that treachery is in
the Mortimer blood. sir, and shall have
to be convinced before 1 condemn the
lad. When did he leave here last?"
About the middle Of May"
Would you mind telling me his mis-
sion? Where he was sent?"
The officer glanced keenly into my
face; then ran hastily over q package
OF papers taken from an open trunk
Il can see no harm in doing SO now,
major. He was sent to communicate
with a British officer-a prominent
Iory-who has associations with Red