The Glenwood post., 1912-09-21
Odd he recosnize Won 2"


Il hardly think so; it was pretty
rear wagons. l supposed would have
ample opportunity to learn the truth
after it became daylight"
But you believed him to be Eric?"
Yes, and after the attack I was
convinced. He and the three men with
him bolted and got away. Must have
run at the first fire. for the fellows
bad us completely hemmed in. It was
Eric all right, and that Is about half
tle reason why 1 led my men back
here-I wanted to find out if he was
hiding about the old place. Is it true
You haven't seen him?"
Quite true; indeed I had no reason
10 suppose him in the Jerseys at this
time"
Grant remained silent, probably not
wholly convinced that he was being
told the truth, and yet not venturing
TO state openly his suspicious. How.
ever the other said no more, and final.
ly the Ranger felt compelled to an
swer.
"of course" he explained rather
lamely, 81 couldn't altogether blame
you for concealing the boy if he had
shown up here. but you will realize
that as Kings officer 1 have a seri-
GUS duty to perform"
"You would apprehend Eric? Would
betray him into British hands? Is
that your meaning, Captain Grant?"
oIa l.
unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in
all that crew of ragamuffins has done
us greater harm. Again and again he
has learned our secrets and brought
| Washington information Of our plans.
How he does it is the mystery of this
department-Howe has personally Of
fered thousand pounds for his arrest.
Surely you know that. Last night
thought we had him in our power, but
the very devil seems to protect him
from capture, even when luck brings
him fairly within our grip"
And so you came here to search for
him?" 1 could feel the bitter scorn
in the voice. "In his fathers home!"
q certainly did," angrily. 81 shall
search the house from cellar to garret
before l leave"
But you are on parole"
Damn the parole. What do I care
for pledge given to band of plum.
dering outlaws? And what do l care
for Eric? He chose for himself, and
has no right to expect any mercy from
me, and by all the gods, he'll receive
none. l half believe that attack last
night was his planning, and that now
you have him hidden away here. Now
listen to me! l do not desire to be
| harsh, but I'm soldier My men are
not armed, but there are enough out
| there to handle the servants bare
| handed. No one can get out of this
house without being seen; I've attend
ed to that"
And you propose searching the
5.sea 5gseams?"
~ do. If you had been little more
genial l might have exhibited greater
courtesy. But l haven't any use for
Eric, and never had. Now you know
the truth"
ut merely illustrates more clearly
your character"
you are always free enough with
your comments. | shall do my duty
to the King
Very well, SIR" and the incensed
lieutenant pushed back his chair.
Then we clearly understand each 9TH
er at last. l am sincerely glad of it.
From now on l shall never again be
guilty of mistaking you for friend or
gentleman. No, have no wish to
listen to another word; you have
spoken frankly enough, and l under
stand the situation. Perhaps it is only
anger, but it gives me the excuse l
have been seeking after long while
In vain. Whatever claim you may
have had upon my regard in the past
Is over with, forever over with, Cap
tain Grant"
"But-but, surely"
II mean precisely that. You can
cover your despicable actions with the
gloss of military duty, but l know you
now as a revengeful liar. Treat this
house as you please. l refuse to have
any more dealings or words with you.
I'll provision you and your men, as |
would any others suffering from hun
ger, but that ends all. If you search
this house do it by force, and in any
way you please, but expect no assist
ance from me. bid you good-day, sir,
and will send Peter to call you when
breakfast is ready"
closed the crack of the door as he
came forth into the hall. having no
desire to be caught listening. My own