Eastern Colorado times., 1912-11-08

you know the road. He remembered
your service before, and was kind
enough to say you were the very man.
You'll go gladly?"
II should prefer to lead my own
men tomorrow. sir"
"Pshaw! doubt II we have more
than skirmish. Sir Henry will see
his predicament fast enough. Then
there will be nothing left to do. but
guard prisoners"
"Very well. colonel; I am ready to
serve wherever needed"
"Of course you are. man. There
should not be much danger connected
with this trip. although there will be
stragglers in plenty. I'm told that
Clinton lost more than three hundred
deserters crossing Camden"
Headquarters were in single
roomed cabin at the edge Of a ravine.
A squad of cavalrymen were in front.
their horses tied to rail fence. but
within Washington was alone. except
for a single aide. writing at rude
table in the light Of half-dozen
candles. He glanced up. greeting US
with a slight inclination of the head.
"A moment. gentlemen"
He wrote slowly. as though framing
his sentences with care. occasionally
questioning the aide. Once he paused.
and glanced across at Hamilton.
Colonel. do you know a dragon
named Mortimer"
II have no recollection of ever hav-
ing met the man. sir. ! have written
him orders. however: he is a scout at
tached to General Lees headquar-
ters"
Yes; I recall the name. He is the
one who brought US our first definite
Information this morning Of Clinton's
position. l remember now. you were
not with me when he rode up
young. slender lad. with the face of
girl. I could but notice his eyes:
they were as soft and blue as violets!
Well. an hour ago he came here for
a favor; 1t seems the boy is son of
Colonel Mortimer. Of the queens
rangers"
Indeed: Wayne reported the colo
mel killed In front Of his lines"
mot killed. but seriously wounded.
The son asked permission to take him
home to a place called Elmhurst near
Laurel HILL"
Il know the plantation. SIR" said.
my interest causing me to interrupt.
1T is on the Medford road"
"Ah. you have met the lad. possibly.
major" and he turned his face to-
o.I TIT mo
greatly"
mo. sir; endeavored to find him
at Lees headquarters. but failed.
have met his father and sister"
"A lovely girl. no doubt"
ITO my mind. yes. sir"
His grave face lighted with sud
den smile.
II sometimes imagine. Colonel Ham,
ilton." he said quietly. that this un-
happy war might be very pleasantly
concluded II we could only turn our
young officers over to the ladies Of the
enemy. Would such plan meet with
your approval. major?"
Il should prefer it to the present
method"
mo doubt. and Mistress Mortimer?
But let that pass. until we hold
council of war upon the subject. Just
now we shall have to be content with
the more ordinary plans OF campaign.
gave the boy permission to remove
his father. and they are upon the road
ere this. I would that all the British
wounded had homes close at hand.
You have informed the major Of his
mission. presume. Hamilton. and
there is nothing l need add"
He understands clearly. sir"
Then I will complete the letter. Be
seated. gentlemen"
He wrote for several minutes stead
lily. once pausing to consult q map.
signed the paper. and enclosed 1t in
another sheet. across which he
scratched line Of address.
"You will deliver this to General
Arnold in person. major: do not spare
horse-lesh. You were in the action
today?"
with Maxwell's brigade"
THAT was hard fight along the
stone wall; you came out unhurt?"
"A slight bayonet wound. sir: moth
ing to incapacitate me from duty"
Every we'll: take ten dragons as
escort. Hamilton will write you an
order. have told Arnold our victory
is practically complete. Clinton may
slip away in the night. for he is