Licking Valley courier. [volume] (West Liberty, Ky.) 19??-current, 1912-07-25

Riding ahead, boot - boot with
Conroy, thought out a plan for ac-
ticn, ard 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
a sturdy lot, their faces bronzed from
exposure, their uniforms stained and
dust-covered.
"Regulars?" I 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"
81 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 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,
swung down stiffly 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 mus
rest before you start back. shall
have my report ready by SHUTDOWN"
General Arnold" said, standing
respectfully hat In hand, 81 have a ia
vor to ask-tlat you will send you
report by some other messenger, an,
give me q detail for special service.
He looked up in surprise.
Special service, sirl But you ar
not assigned to my command"
"That is true, general" | insisted
"but the conditions warrant the III
usual application"
what service is contemplated?
can attempt to kill or capture Re
ragin, and release a scout whom
believe he holds prisoner"
"You hope to accomplish all thiI
/ alone?"
with the assistance Of the sergean
and ten dragons who came here witt
me-. They are in camp now on tn
Jersey shore" u .
He walked across the room, stare'
out of the window, and then agail
faced me.
by Cad, sir, this is most extraol
binary request. Damme, I'd like t
get hold Of Fagln all right, but ! nee
to know more of your plan, and tn
reason you have for asking such
detail. 1t looks foolhardy to m
mind" -
went over the ssiitt.s.aation carefully
watching the effect of my words ]
the mans face. He sat at the tabl
now, leaning forward eagerly. A
mold had the reputation of gallan
and my first reference to young lad
aroused him..
"The name, please-you mentione
no name"
"Claire Mortimer. sir" -.
"Ah! Ali l remember her wei
Danced with her myself. Now 60 o.
sir; can appreciate the tale bette
for my recollection Of the fair her
ine."
l was not long at 1t, although |
interrupted me occasionally by shreS
questioning. AS | concluded he kel
silent moment, looking at me fro
: under his heavy brows.
! ut looks like rather blind ira
to me. major" he said kindly, "bl
I'm no spoil-sport in such an affai
You might nave the luck to stumb
. onto your party, and I'd take Il
chance myself II were in your shoe
!, You wish to start at sunset?"
i Eyes, SIR" -.
a "You need horses, rations and pist
j ammunition for twelve men?"
Eyes, SIR" N'.A a
e Every well, major, the quartermS
5 ter will attend these details. Go al
a lie down. Washington may not q
i prove, but I'll take the responsibility
q He extended his hand across I
II table, and ! felt the firm clasp of
J. hand. t1..