The Irish standard., 1912-06-29

| didn't think she would ever have the
nerve to perform such a deed. I told
you left my papers there. I forgot
them where changed my clothes. You
see came out wearing the uniform Of
British dragon lieutenant, and had
It all planned out to Join Delavan, and
guide him toward Philadelphia over
the Lone Tree road. Just before left
Dur camp at Valley Forge on this trip
[ received orders from Washington to
keep my eyes open for a courier rid
Ing from Philadelphia to New York
with Clinton's plans Of evacuation.
Hamilton seemed to know all about
this. and sent me special instructions.
talked Of 1t with Claire. planned how
was going to waylay him, and to-
Eether We fixed up those servants as
goldiers to help me carry out the de-
ception."
| He paused, chuckling. and halted,
| pager to learn the rest.
"And when you disappeared; when,
perhaps, she heard of your capture,
or suspected it, she assumed the dis.
carded uniform and went forth In
your stead"
That's 1t, Lawrence. She would,
II she thought it was right; If she be-
lieved such an act necessary to save
my reputation. I'll bet she found the
papers in my pocket. and mistook you
for Clinton's dispatch bearer"
| There y no doubt of It," said So
berly. "And that wasn't all she did
to protect you. 1t was the talk at
Lees headquarters that you had de-
serted. She stamped that q lie, by
riding into our lines day before yes
terday, bringing an exact report of
where Clinton was marching. didn't
see her, but heard all about it. and
you get the credit. Washington told
me with his own lips, and granted her
permission to remove your father, who
was badly wounded, to Elmhurst."
Good God! Are they here now?"
"They must have reached here early
yesterday morning. I passed them on
the road at ten o'clock. Gran. had
Just Joined their party, claiming to
be hunting after deserters."
He chung to the fence rail. staring
put toward the house.
Grant! Do you know, I believe
that fellow is at the bottom of this
whole affair. He's in love with Claire,
, and-and he's working some scheme
to gain power over her."
Several schemes, think" I re-
turned heartily. "I've nipped two Of
them in the bud already. Someway.
Mortimer, he got possession of those
Instructions you received from Wash
Ington and Hamilton. ran into him
over there on the lawn, back of the
Bummer-house. He was threatening
Claire, trying to drive her into mar
rying him offhand. We had bit of a
fight, and l got the best of It, When
| left wore his coat, and later fund
your papers in his pocket. Do you
remember how they were addressed?"
He shock his head.
Simply Mortimer It occurred to
me he could turn them over to Gin.
ton, accuse the colonel Of treason, and
share in the confiscation of this es.
tate, or else hold them as a threat
over your sister. burned them"
He was silent for long minute;
breathing hard; then he thrust out his
hand and clasped mine.
1.-THE damned villain!" he ejaculat.
ed. his voice trembling. EVERY move
he has made has been an attempt to
ruin US. l can see 1t now. Do you
suppose Claire really cares for the
eellow?"
II am very sure she does not"
"Then what. in heavens name, does
she let him hang around for? al.
ways hated the sight of his black face
and Internal grin, but somehow,
:nougnI sne ralner IKeu MIN. 1 WON
der If no can be there nowl If he is.
then he and Fagin are up to some dew
ument."
"And what that may DO We'll never
discover by talking here" l put in
Bternly, suddenly realizing we were
wasting time. Come. let's get around
| to the north side"
| We came in back Of the summer.
house. and had Just left the road,
when three horsemen galloped past.
straight up to the front door, which
stood wide open. The black shadow
Of a man appeared in the glow Of
light, shading his eyes as he looked
out into the darkness.
Is that you, Culver?"
eyes," sullenly, the speaker swing.
Ing down from the saddle.
well. you've been hell of while
getting here. Fagin will skin you
alive; it's nearly daylight already"
"Did the best could; the cantin'
hypocrite wasn't at home; had to go
clear to Medford after him. Come on
| now, get out O. that!"
He dragged the center figure rough
ly from his horse. and hustled him