The Irish standard., 1912-06-29
Copyright A. q AeCl,,rg q Co.. 1slL


had he been dispatched on such mis-.
sion he would have had at least
squad of soldiers with him. Then what?
The probability was that he was eith-
Or riding to Elmhurst. or to some rem.
devious with Fagin. Some plan had
been interrupted by Clinton's sudden
march, by the British defeat at Mon,
mouth, and Grant was risking his
commission. Drawing the charge of de-
sertion, for some private purpose.
This might be love of Claire, revenge
upon Eric, or possibly both combined.
Inc latter would seem most probable.
He would use Eric in some way to
threaten the sister, to compel her to
sacrifice herself. She was Of a nature
to do this, as was already abundantly
proved by her assumption Of male
attire to save Eric's reputation. MY
own responsibility doomed large as
reached this conclusion, and remem.
bered her appeal for help. She, also,
must suspect the truth, and had turned
to me as the only one capable of un.
travelling the mystery. She trusted me,
loved me, I now believed-and, under
God, would prove worthy of her faith.
With teeth clinched in sudden deter
animation caught up with my little
squad Of plodding horsemen, and, with
word Of command, hurried them into
q sharp trot.
Riding ahead. boot to boot with
Conroy, thought out a plan for ac-
ton, and finally, in the gray of the
morning, told him enough of the story
to arouse his interest Just before
sunrise we passed Elmhurst, the great
white mansion appearing silent and
deserted. There was no hating, al
though we turned in the saddle to,
look, and my eyes swept over the
troopers trotting behind US. They were:
sturdy lot, their faces bronzed from:
exposure, their uniforms stained and;
dust-covered.
"Regulars?" I asked, nodding back;
across my shoulder.
Not a man but has seen two years.;
service" he replied proudly. "Ham-,
tlton knows the troop, and he picked
us out"
II may need them for a bit Of des-!
perate work." ::
They'll do 1t, sir, never fear" ::
Good, sergeant; We'll ride hard,
and trust to getting fresh horses in
Philadelphia. I'll tell Arnold the story
When we arrive there have your men
get all the sleep they can. I'll attend
to rations and ammunition. You are!
simply to have the men rested and
ready. Cannot we make better time?
The horses seem in good condition.
We passed swiftly over the level,
country, meeting few stragglers, but
paying them small attention. By two
o'clock we were on the banks Of the,
Delaware, and half-hour later, Il
swung down stifffy from the saddle In
front Of Arnold's headquarters on
High street.
He was an officer never greatly;
liked, with his swapping eyes and ar
rogant manner, but he was courteous'
enough on this occasion, questioning
me after reading the dispatch, and Of
fering me glass Of wine.
"You look tired, major. and must
rest before you start back. shall
have my report ready by SHUTDOWN"
General Arnold" I said, standing
respectfully hat in hand, Il have q ia
vor to ask-that you will send your
report by some other messenger, and
give me detail for special service"
He looked up in surprise.
Especial service, sir! But you are
not assigned to my command"
"That is true, general" insisted,
Pbut the conditions warrant the un-
usual application"
''What service is contemplated?
An attempt to kill or capture Red
#agin, and release a scout whom I
believe he holds prisoner"
"You hope to accomplish all this
Rlone?"
with the assistance Of the sergeant
and ten dragons who came here with
me. They are in camp now on the
Jersey Shore"
He walked across the room, stared
out Of the window, and then again
faced me.
"Py Cad, sir, this is q most extraor-
binary request. Damme. I'd like to
get hold of Fagin all right, but I need
to know more of your plan. and the
reason you have for asking such a
detail. It looks foolhardy to my
mind"
went over the situation carefully,
watching the effect of my words In
the mans face, He sat at the table
now, leaning forward eagerly. Ar
mold had the reputation Of gallant,
and my first reference to young lady
aroused him.
"The name. please-you mentioned
no name"
claire Mortimer. SIR"
"Ah! All! I remember her we'll,
Danced with her myself. Now go on,
sir: can appreciate the tale better
for my recollection Of the fair hero