Eastern Colorado times., 1912-11-15

white mansion appearing silent and
deserted There was no halting. al
though we turned in the saddle to
look. and my eyes swept over the
troopers trotting behind US.
Regulars? l asked. nodding back
across my shoulder.
mot man but has seen two years.
SERVICE" he replied proudly. Ham
ilton knows the troop, and he picked
US out" b;
II may need them for 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 timef
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
Delawate, and a half-hour later. I
swung down stifly from the saddle in
front Of Arnold's headquarters on
High street
He was an officer I 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
Horino mo O1aou nj xu{pa
you look tired. major. and must,
rest before you start back. shall
have my report ready by sundown."
General Arnold" l said. standing
respectfully hat in hand. II 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.
Special service, sir! But you are
not assigned to my command"
THAT is true. general" I insisted.
but the conditions warrant the un-
usual application"
What service is contemplated"
"An attempt to kill or capture Red
Fagin. and release a scout whom Il
believe he holds prisoner"
you hope to accomplish all this
alone?"
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.
by Cad, sir, this is most extraor-
dinary request Damme. I'd like to
get hold of Fagin all right. but need
to know more Of your plan, and the
reason you have for asking .each a
detail. It looks foolhardy to my
mind"
went over the situation carefully.
watching the effect of my words in I
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! l remember her well.
Danced with her myself. Now go on.
SlI Cdu dppleCldIe Lie tdlS D9Ct6T
for my. recollection Of the fair hero
ine"
was not long at 1t, although he
interrupted me occasionally by shrewd
questioning. As I concluded he kept
silent aUloment. looking at me from
under his heavy brows.
"It looks like rather blind trail
to me, major" he said kindly, but
I'm no spoil-sport in such an affair.
You might have the luck to stumble
onto your party. and I'd take the
chance myself II l were In your shoes.
You wish to start at sunset?"
Yes, SIR
you need horses, rations and pistol
ammunition for twelve men?"
"Yes, SIR"
very well, major, the quartermas-
ter will attend these details. Go and
lie down. Washington may not ap-
prove. but I'll take the responsibility.
He extended his hand across the
table. and I felt the firm clasp of his
hand.
To BE CONT1NUED.)