The Springfield herald., 1912-12-06
Chapter xvII.-con,lnued.

stepped across the pile OF things
to the window. glancinS out at 'he
still smouldering ruins OF the stable
Whatever had occurred, neither the
lady nor Peter remained about the
house. OF this | was satisfied. yet
with the realization there came sud
den comprehension of my own help
lessness 10 be of any aid.
From the window where | stood not
a house was visible. Just beyond the
orchard the roads forked. welltraV-
eled branch circling to the left. and
disappearing over the edge of hill
AS | traced it with my eyes a con
siderable body of mounted men sud
denly appeared 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
were plainly n squadron of British
Dragons, their arms and cross-belts
shining in the sun. in spite Of the dust
kicked up by their horses hoofs.
| waited until convinced they were
coming to the house. before drawing
back out of sight. 1t was difficult 10
decide what was best for me to do.
Should | wait, trusting to my rough
clothing, and pass myself off as coun-
tryman, or take advantage of the brief
time left in which to escape? II !
essayed the first choice ! could eX
plain the situation. and start these
troopers on the trail; If not they might
fail to understand and ride on thought
lessly. What such a body of mounted
men were doing in the neighborhood
7 they
were riding through to New York on
some matter of Importance, or else had
been sent out hurriedly to discover
what had become OF Delayan'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 |
heard the thud of hoofs even as !
drew back into the upper hall. Then
n 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!"
l must face them. and went forward
to the head of the stairs. anticipating
an easy explanation of my presence
within. Already quite a squad was in
side the front door bending over the
bodies and staring about Curiously.
pine Robbers. eh, colonel?" said
one contemporary. 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 a soldier briefly;
Irish lookin' mug"
The man addressed as colonel. a
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. | made no
resistance, not realizing | 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?
Come, speak up! What does all this
nean?" and he swept his hand about
in gestu7e.
e, care along about thirty minutes
ago." l explained, beginning to appre-
ciate my situation. from the suspicious
glances casE at me. and recalling how
disreputable my appearance must be,
81 found things Just as they are now,
sir Thtres been a fight and rob
berry"
That's plain to be seen; are these
all the bc!ies?"
"Yes, s'r. but the house is upside
down fron end to end"
You saw no one? No British sol.
diers?"
l shook my head, conscious Of the
fierce grip With which ! was being
held. A couple of the men dragged
out the body from behind the stairs
and as the fice came into the light
the coloneps 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