The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1912-06-11

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
lameiy. Il couldn't altogether blame
you for concealing the boy IL he had
shown up here. but you will realize
that as Kings officer | have a seri.
GUS duty to perform"
"You would apprehend Eric? Would
betray him into British handsg Ia
that your meaning. Captain. Grant~
What else could do9 Don't be-
unreasonable! Boy as he Is, no one in
all that crew of ragamuftinB has done
us greater harm. Again and again he
has learned our secrets and brought
Washington information OF our plans.
How he does 1t Ia the mystery of this
department-Howe has personally Of
fered a thousand pounds for his arrest.
Surely you know that. Last night T
thought we had him in our power bur
the very devil seems to protect him
from capture, even when luca brings
him fairly within our grip"
And so you came here to search for
him ?" I could feel the bitter scorn
in the voice. In his fathers home!"
Il certainly did" angrily. Il shall
search the house from cellar to garnet
before leave"
But you are on parole"
Damn the parole. What do care
for pledge given to band of plum
dering outlaws? And what do 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. | half believe that attack last
night was his planning, and that now
you have him hidden away here. Now
listen to me! do not desire to be
harsh. but I'm soldier Ny men are
not armed, but there are enough out
there 10 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
rooms?"
Il do. Ii you had been little more
genial | might have exhibited greater
courtesy. But haven't any use for
Eric, and never had. Now you know
the truth"
1T merely illustrates more clearly
your character"
You are always free enough with
your comments. l shall do my duty
to the King"
Very we'll. sir" and the incensed
lieutenant pushed back his chair.
Then We clearly understand each 9TH
er at last. | am sincerely glad OF it.
From now on | shall never again be
guilty OF mistaking you for friend or
a gentleman. No, have no wish to
listen to another word; you have
spoken frankly enough, and | under
stand the situation. Perhaps 1t ia only
anger, but 1t gives me the excuse l
have been seeking after a 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--hut, surely"
Il mean precisely that. You can
cover your despicable actions with the
gloss of military duty, but | know You
now AS a revengeful liar. Treat this
house as you please. refuse to have
any more dealings or words with you.
I'll provision you and your men, as
would any others suffering from hum
ger, but that ends all. If you search
this house do 1t 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 be
came forth into the hall, having no
desire to be caught listening. My own
position was more unpleasant and haz-
ardous than ever. Whatever reason
the lieutenant might have for holding
me prisoner / was convinced he pos
sessed no knowledge as to my real
identity. The probability was that aft
er an interview | would be released.
But Grant would recognize me In
stantly, and he proposed searching the
house, room by room, seeking this
man Eric must make my escape first.
Yet how could this be accomplished?
| heard Peter pass along the hall, and
solemnly announce the serving of
breakfast. He and Grant exchanged
a few sentences, and then the latter
strobe to the front door, where he
gave orders to the men. watched
the German officers come up the steps,
while the majority Of the others form.
Ing into irregular line, marched around
the corner of the house. A small squad
remained, however. on guard. facing
the front antraupa