American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-10-17

, VI VIII Hy Military QuIy, DuC
reverted to the little company around
the wounded man. The bearing Of
the dispatch to Arnold was mere rou-
tine, involving only steady riding, but
the relations existing between Claire,
Grant, and Eric Mortimer were full
Of mystery. There were connecting
links could not understand; no doubt
had the girl been permitted to con-
clude her story l might fit 1t tog 9TH
er, but as it was l was left cropping in
the darkness. Yet my mind tena-
ciously held to it's original theory as
TO Eric's strange disappearance-he
a been betrayed by Grant, and was
being held prisoner. But where? BY
whom? And for what purpose?
l pondered on this problem as my
horse ploughed forward through the
dust, my eyes unconsciously scanning
the dark road. Grant could not have
known that Colonel Mortimer was be-
ing taken home. His meeting with the
ambulance party vas altogether an ac-
cldent. Yet l had no faith the man
was out seeking British stragglers, for
had he been dispatched on such a mis-
sion he would have had at least a.
squad of soldiers with him. Then what?
The probability was that he was eth
er riding to Elmhurst, or to some rem
devious with Fagin. Some plan had
been interrupted by Clinton's sudden
march, by the British defeat at Mon
mouth, and Grant was risking his
commission, Drawing the charge of de-
sertion, for some private purpose.
This might be love of Claire, revenge
upon Eric, or possibly both combined.
The latter would seem most probable.
He would use Eric in some way to
threaten the sister, to compel her to
sacrifce herself. She was of a nature
TO DO this, as was already ~abundantly
proved by her assumption of male
attire to save Eric's reputation. My
own responsibility doomed large as |
reached this conclusion, al remem-
bered her appeal for help. Sn,, also.
must suspect the truth, and had turned
to me as the only one capable Of ur.
ravellng the mystery. She trusted me,
loved me, | now believed-and, under
God. I would prove worthy of her faith.
With teeth clinched in sudden deter
mination l caught up with my little
squad of %plodding horsemen, and, with
word of command, hurried them into
a sharp trot.
Riding ahead, boot to boot with
Conroy, thought out a plan for &C.
ton, and 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 Vas 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-coyered. Z
"Regulars?" I asked, nodding back
across my shoulder.
Not a man but has seen two years
service" he replied proudly. Ham
ilton knows the troop, and he picked
out"
q may need them for a bit of des-
perate work"
They'll do it, sir, never fear"
Good, sergeant; wen ride hard.
and trust to getting fresh horses in {
Philadelphia. Hi tell Arnold the story !
When We arrive there have your men c
get all the sleep they can. I'll attend !
to rations and ann Unition. You are J.
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 1
country, meeting a few stragglers. but I
them small attention. By two q
o'clock We We're on The banks of the c
Delaware, and a half-hour later.
swung down stiAiy from the saddle in
'ront of Arnold's headquarters on
High street.
He was an officer l never greatly
liked, with his swapping eyes and ar.
manner, but he was courteous
'noueh on this occasion, questioning q
ne after reading the dispatch, and of.
ering me a glass of wine.
You look tired, major, and must
est before you start back. I shall E;
ave my report ready BY shutdown"
General Arnold" l said, standing
especially hat in hand, 81 have a ia.
or to ask-that you will send your
eport by some other and "
i've me a detail for special service"
He looked up in surprise ~
Special service, sir! But you are
OF assigned to my command" -
THAT is true, general" | insisted, L
but the conditions warrant the IN. l
sual application
"What service is contemplated?
AN attempt to kill or capture Red g
agin, and release a scout whom j.
he holds prisoner"
you hope to accomplish all this l
with the assistance of the sergeant
ten dragons who came here with
e. They are in camp now on the