The Celina Democrat. (Celina, O. [Ohio]) 1895-1921, 1912-08-09
CHAPTER xxx.
Run Across Eric.

Run Across Eric.
slept three hours, the dead sleep
of sheer exhaustion, but felt refreshed
and strong when roughly aroused. Be
fore sunset was across the river,
where l found my little squad Of dra-
goons prepared for their nights ad-
venture Arnold had kept his word,
the fresh horses being fine animals,
the ammunition in excess Of our
needs. Conroy was enthusiastic, and
somewhat loquacious, but cut his
conversation off rather sharply, and
ordered the men into their saddles.
With brain clarified by sleep real
lied the importance of the work be-
fore us, and how imperfect my plans
were. could merely ride forth to
Elmhurst, hoping to pick up some
clew to aid me. AS we rode rapidly
along the deserted road leading to
Farrell's l reviewed over and over
| again every remembered detail, only
to conclude that l must get hands on
| Grant, and by threats, or any other
available means, compel him to con-
fess his part in the villainy. Dusk
settled about us, succeeded by night,
as we pressed steadily forward, the
men riding silently, the only sound
the thud of hoofs, and the slight jingle
of accoutrements. AS we passed the
black walls Of Farrers shop, l re-
called the papers found in Grants
coat, and the reference in Fagin's note
to a rendezvous at Lone Tree. Prob
ably that was the spot where the two
had been accustomed to meeting. II
true in the past, why not now as we'll?
Suddenly it occurred to me that it
was at a place called Lone Tree that
the minute men had gathered for their
attack on Delavan's wagon train.
Could this, by any possibility, be the
same spot? I drew my horse back
beside Conroy.
Ever heard of a place called Lone
Tree?" l asked quietly.
He rubbed his head thoughtfully.
"Not just about here, sir. We
camped over east Of there once, may
be year ago, down in hollow where
there was one big tree standin' all
alone, kind of an odd-lookin' tree, SIR,
and seems to me, the guide said the
place was called something like that.
Say, Tom," to the nearest dragon,
do you remember that Lone Tree
where we camped when we were out
hunting Tarleton"
Sure; in east Medford. There was
a farmhouse across on the side Of
hill. got some buttermilk there"
Wasn't that what the guide called
the place-Lone Tree%
"Derned if know, sergeant. Don't
reconect hearin' the guide say any
thin bout that, but the woman at the
house told me her place was called
Lone Tree cottage-so I reckon he
might"
This was a chance worth trying.
I'VE will take the first turn to the
left, and have a look at the place." /
said. "Conroy, you and Tom ride
ahead, and keep your eyes OPEN"
We reached the hollow where the
big tree stood, about midnight, but
found little reward. The house on
the hill had been burned to the
ground. Near the tree, however, we
evidence Of recent camp
fires, one not yet cold, and apparently
there ha6 been quite a body Of men
camped there lately. Conroy manu-
featured a torch, and secuted about,
finally n porting:
Il don know how many were here,
SIR, altog ether, but there was lot o.
horses y lcketed over near the creek
reckon the last Of them didn't leave
Until dar tonight, an they rode north |
toward the main road. There was
maybe a dozen in that party"
We fO lowed the general direction |
he fellf Iws seemed to have taken, |
)onroy and l on foot, scanning the |
rail by aid Of a pine knot The dust |
ay thic ( on the clay road through |
he cut, where we had charged the |
oragers and it was easy to see the
and hat turned east. There was but |
ne con clusion possible; if this was |
agin's gang of cutthroats, as l sus-
ected, hen they were either return |
lg to Il leir sand caves in Monmouth |
ounty fter raid, or else were start
lg fort 4 on some new project near
hand Whichever was true, Elm
urst la y in the direction taken. De-
'rminet to learn the truth, we
ressed forward, riding rapidly, yet
lercisfI lg the precaution Of keeping |
yo SEQ uts well in advance. 1t must |
ave be en- nearly three o'clock when
g read he'd the summit of the low hill |
thin a few hundred yards Of the
'use, and found the two scouts
yaitini : us.
My q rst glance across the ravine
Vealet the outlines Of the house
love he low trees OF the orchard
i app cared peaceable enough, and
It 81 idden relief. There were lights
Irning on the lower floor. streaming |
rough several windows, while up
airs ne window was ablaze. Late
It " as, this illumination was noh
rprisl ng. however, as the care Of the