River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-10-17

fool" he exclaimed roughly, my uni
form is pass enough. | wish to see
Colonel Mortimer at once-at once"
There was a pause, and then the same
voice, and l recognized it now as
Grants beyond doubt. "Ah, colonel,
what in Gods name has happened
here? l heard that you were out
hunting us at Farrell's blacksmith
shop, and came back as swiftly as
could ride. But l never suspect ed
this. Who were the miscreants 2"
THAT is a question not yet an
swered, Captain Grant," replied Nor
timer slowly. 1T looks like the work
of Pine Robbers. Do you recognize
this fellow"
"Ay," and from the muffled tone he
must have been bending over the body,
that is Tough Sims, a lieutenant Of
Red Fagin; there's one more devil
gone to hell. But when did the at
tack occur? We left here after dark
and all was quiet enough then
Claire"
she was here, then? hardly be-
lieved it possible"
81 talked with her-quarreled with
her, indeed. Perhaps that was why
she refused to accompany US to Phila-
delphia. But what did you mean,
colonel, when you said you hardly be-
leved it possible she was here? Did
some one tell your
yes; we. caught fellow in the
bouca whop ua orrivad III bod no
time for -rough-looking miscre-
ant, claiming to be Continental We
have him under guard in the library"
"He confessed to the whole story?"
Not a word; claimed to know moth
ing except that Claire was here Said
he saw you, and then went away, not
getting back again unt2 this morn
ing"
The fellow is Gar, colonel Let
me see him; I'll lash the truth out or
his lips. Where did you say he was
in the library?"
/ had barely time to rise to my feet
when he entered. His eyes swept
across the guard, and then centered
upon me. Instantly they blazed with
excitement, although noticed he took
sudden step backward IL the first
shock of surprise, his hand dropping
to the butt of pistol. in his belt.
'By all the gods!" he exclaimed
sharply. IF it isn't the spy! l miss
the red jacket, but l know the face,
Mister Lieutenant Fortesque.''
Major Lawrence. if you please" 1
returned quietly.
We'll not quarrel over the name
I've had occasion to know you under
both; bearing one you were a spy,
beneath the other leader of banditti
I'll hang you with equal pleasure I'M
der either" Suddenly he seemed to
remember where we were, and his
face flushed with newly aroused rage.
But first you'll explain what you are
doing here at Elmhurst. Do you know
whose home this is?"
Most assuredly," determined not to
lose my temper, or to be moved by
his threats. 1T is the property of
Colonel Mortimer, of the Queens
Rangers.
"And-and you-you came here to
again see-the daughter?" he ques-
toned, as though half regretting the
indiscretion of such a suspicion.
''Oh, no, captain; you do the lady
a grave injustice. 1 came here
not even aware whose plantation this
was. had 10 suspicion that Mistress
Mortimer was outside Philadelphia
until / overheard your conversation
with her"
"Overhearc, You! In Gods name,
where were ycu-"
I'm this roCm: with both doors ajar
it was Impossible not to hear. You
spoke somewhat angrily, you may re-
member, not &nding the lady as gra-
cious in her reception as expected"
The sarcasm in my tone stung him,
but the surprise was so great that he
could only rip out an oath.
Il thought you would have also en-
joyed swearing at that time" | con-
tinued coolly, "only you scarcely dared
venture so far. You had previously
boosted to me of your engagement to
the lady, and it naturally was sur
prise to observe how lovingly she
greeted you"
"Hell's acre!" he burst out. Did
the mink know you were there?"
IF you refer to Mistress Mortimer.
presume she suspected it. At least
she came to me shortly thereafter"
Then l understand better what
troubled the girl. But, in Gods name!
how did you ever escape me? l was
in every room of the house"
/ smiled pleasantly. There was
nothing for me to gain, or lose, by
goading him, yet it was rather enjoy
able.
"That, of course, l must naturally
refuse TO answer, captain. might
need to resort to the same methods
again.
There will be small chance of your
having opportunity. Mortimer will
hang you fast enough when tell my
tale. Don't look for mercy at his
hands, for he's prouder than Lucifer OF
his family honor"
He was out of the door, striding
down the hall, bent on carrying out
his purpose. / heard his voice ask.
ing where the colonel was to be found ;
then the guard closed the barrier be.
tween US. Very we'll; OF the two
would rather leave my fate to Morti-