The Glenwood post., 1912-10-12


tains torn from the windows. 1t was
a scene of vandalism of which yaga.
bonds alone would be guilty.
l stepped across the pile of things
to the window, glancing out at the
still smouldering ruins of the stable.
Whatever had occurred, neither the
lady nor Peter remained about the
house. or this I was satisfied, yet
with the realization there came sud-
den comprehension Of my own help
lessness to be of any aid.
From the window where l stood not
a house was visible. Just beyond the
orchard the roads forked, a well-trav-
eled branch circling to the left, and
disappearing over the edge of a hill.
AS l traced it with my eyes con-
siderable body of mounted men sud
denly Appealed on the summit. With
out fear that they could see me at that
distance l watched eagerly as they
trotted down the long slope. They
We're plainly squadron of British
Dragons, their arms and cross-belts
shining in the sun, in spite of the dust
kicked up by their horses hoofs.
l waited until convinced they We're
coming to the house, before drawing
back out of sight. 1t was difficult to
decide what was best for me to do.
Should l wait, trusting to my rough
clothing, and pass myself o: as a coun-
tryman, or take advantage of the brief
time left in which to escape? If L
essayed the first choice l could ex-
plain the situation, and start these
~ L, l..
fail to understand and ride on thought
lessly. What such body of mounted
men were doing in the neighborhood
| could merely guess at-either they
We're riding through to New York on
some matter Of Importance, or else had
been sent out hurriedly to discover
what had become of Delavan's fora
gers. This supposition was the more
likely, and they had taken the wrong
road, thus missing Grant and his men
In the darkness.
The must have cut through the or
chard, leaping the low fence, for l
heard the thud Of hoofs even as l
drew back into the upper hall. Then
a voice gave sharp command.
"Circle the men about the house,
Simmons. There is something wrong
here, and saw fellow at that upper
window as we came down the hill.
Move quick, now!"
] must face them, and went forward
to the head Of the stairs, anticipating
an easy explanation of my presence
within. Already quite squad was in
side the front door bending over the
bodies and staring about curiously.
pine Robbers, eh, colonel?" said
one contemptuously. THAT fellow has
cutthroat written all over him. Don't
see any signs Of our men here"
Queen Ranger lying back Of the
stairs, sir" reported soldier briefly;
Irish lookin' mug"
The man addressed as colonel, q
Ranger himself from his green uni.
form, looked up quickly and saw me.
He called out an order, and three or
four men sprang up the stairs, grasp.
ing and leading me down. I made no
resistance, not realizing l was in any
danger. The colonel, tall man with
gray mustache and goatee, and dark,
searching eyes, faced me sternly.
What are you doing here, sir?
|
mean?" and he swept his hand about
in gesture.
Il came along about thirty minutes
ago." / explained, beginning to appre-
ciate my situation, from the suspicious
glances cast at me, and recalling how
disreputable my appearance must be.
II found things Just as they are now,
sir. There's been fight and rob.
berry"
That's plain to be seen; are these
all the bodies?"
"Yes, sir, but the house is upside
down from end to end"
You saw no one? No British sol
diers?"
- I shook my head, conscious of the
fierce grip with which l was being
held. A couple of the men dragged
out the body from behind the stairs,
and as the face came into the light,
the colonel's eyes saw it. l heard the
sharp breath expelled through his lips,
as he stared down into those ghastly
features.
Good Lord! Mike! What in the
name of heaven does this mean? He
was supposed to be with Claire!"
There must be some mistake,
Colonel Mortimer" insisted the other
officer gravely. Perhaps We can get
the truth out Of this pumpkin, If we
take the lash to him."
I understood in a flash, and as swift.
" chose course Of action. This
sray-headed colonel was her father,
and would serve her in. this emergen.
ey without Thought Of my own danger.
No threat of whip would open my
lips, but memory would.
"Come. you dog!" burst out the
colonel flercely. "You know more than
you have told. Speak up, or We'll skin