The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-07-04

ne was q spy. Some words passed be-
tween us on the dancing door, and as
consequence asked the man to
meet me below Some one either told
him he was suspected, OK else be had
the heart Of q coward. for he failed
90 appear"
did you intend 20 fight hinaf
mo, We planned an arrest. ! re-
ported 70 MacHugh what ] had heard,
and he had Carter close at hand with
squad Of the guard"
"A very pretty trick on mere suspi-
cion." commented the colonel in some
disgust. 'sHut 90 on with your story"
Grant sucked In his breath quickly.
evidently surprised at the remark.
"Claire was waiting for me upstairs
IN the dining room, but after Carter
had scattered his men to the Outposts.
I took q turn about the grounds in
hope OF thus running across the fellow.
Luck favored me, but, damn him, he
jumped into me like q lighting cock,
struck me IN the face, and tainted
me into meeting him there and then.
Good boyi the right stun, eh Sell
donf"
Il supposed II all bluff, went on
Grant, paying no heed to the inter-
ruption, although his cheeks flushed.
"but we went at It, behind the payil-
ION, and had pricked him twice,
when the guapd came up and separat-
ed us. AT that the fellow took to his
heels. and By Cad! got away swan
the Delaware, while we were beating
the west shore. The next saw Of him
he was In command Of those ragamuf-
fms who attacked us out yonder. Now
he shows up here looting this house
on the trail Of Red .Eagin. I'd hang
him offhand II 1t was me"
Mortimer looked across at me ear
nestly, but with an expression of doubt
in his eyes. Az for myself hardly
knew what to say or do. Grant had
no corroboratiye proof Of his asser-
lions, unless was returned to PhiIa-
delphia. could emphatically deny
that / was the man. insist on my right
20 a fair trial. But how could ac-
count In any reasonable way for my
presence at Elmhurst, or even success
fully sustain my claim to being Con.
tinental officer. could not tell
Colonel Mortimer that / had been TAX.
en- prisoner by his daughter, masQue-
rading as q lieutenant OF dragons.
Apparently he knew nothing Of this
escapade, and she would scarcely for
give me for exposure; besides, for all
knew to the contrary, the girl might
have thus been attempting to serve
the colonies, and q word Of betrayal
might seriously injure our cause. All
this flashed oyer me before Mortimer
spoke.
"Haye yon any proofs, sir, that you
are an Officer of MaxwelTs brigade? r.
"Not here" and / glanced down at
my rough clothing. ''yet with little
delay that could be easily ascer'
tainsd.''
"on what service are you in the
Serseys?"
4 must decline to answer"
''Were you in Philadelphia. wearing
British uniform three days ago?"
Ell should say no, it would be
merely my word against Captain
Grant you would doubtless prefer to
believe him"
Grant whispered IN his ear, the
colonel listening quietly.
II am informed that you have al
ready acknowledged being concealed
In this house yesterday"
II have, sir.
''Did anyone know Of your presence
hereH"
II was brought herea prisoner
What" in decided surprise. "Pris
Oner to whomf"
II was captured by three men
aressed as Queens Rangers, on road
some miles to the west. They made
NO explanation, although / have some
reason 10 believe ] was mistaken fol
another. was held In a strong room
Ia the basement overnight"
''You were not there when searched
the house" broke in Grant hearsely.
"No." and | turned and smiled al
him. II had been brought upstairs be
fore you arrived"
''Theu you saw your captors By day
lightr'
"Two OF them. yea man called
Peter, and an ITish fellow, with a chin
beard"
''Wlmtl" and Mortimer started for
ward. ''Peter and Mike In uniform
This is beyond belief. Were theJ
alone9''
They were apparently under the
orders Of 9 young Aeutenant-the
same who had command Of Delavan's
advance guard. was unable to dis
tinguish the lads face
''Delavan'a advance guard" and the
colonel turned toward Grant. 'Whai
DO ynu know about this, sir3 who
was hsf''
The captain hesitated. shifting IN
easily on his feet
I'll do not know. sir, be explained
finally. driven 10 answer. Il merely
had a glimpse Of the boy when l first
Joined the column. III thought / rec
Ognized him, but was not sure"
n = 1 ~