The state herald., 1913-01-10
CHAPTER XVIII.
At Cross Purposes.

At Cross Purposes.
1t could not be considered an un-
pleasant place Of imprisonment, yet
1t was useless for me to contrive any
plans Of immediate escape, for the
door was securely locked. and two
heavily armed dragons sat within eye
ing me rather malevolently. My at
tempt at approaching the window was
Instantly checked by threatening
gesture. and sat down In the reading
chair to await developments. They
could not muffle my ears. however.
and heard the swift hoofbeats Of an
approaching horse being ridden furi-
ously up the gravel driveway. At the
door he was hastily checked. and a
voice spoke peremptorily:
Here you. take the rein!"
The fellow came up the steps hur-
riedly. almost ignoring the sentry at
the door.
II haven't time to stand here. you
fool" he exclaimed roughly. my uni
form is pass enough. wish to see
Colonel Mortimer at once-at once"
There was pause. and then the same
voice. and recognized It now MS
Grants beyond doubt. "Ah, colonel,
what In Gods name has happened
here? heard that you were out
hunting Us at Faireli's blacksmith
shop. and came back as swiftly az
could ride. But l never suspected
this. Who were the miscreants?"
THAT is question not yet an.
swered. Captain Grant," replied Nor
timer slowly. 1T looks like the work
of Pine Robbers. Do you recognize
this fellow7"
"Ay." and from the mufiied tone he
must have been bending over the body.
that is Tough Sims. a lieutenant Of
Red Fagin; there's ono 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. thenl I hardly be.
lieved II possible"
Il talked with her-quarreied with
her. indeed. Perhaps that was why
she refused to accompany us TO Phila.
deiphia. But what did you mean.
colonel, when you said you hardly be-
lieved II possible she was here? Did
some one tell your"
Yes; we caught fellow In the
house when We arrived. He had no
time for escape-rough.lookin miscrc-
ant, claiming to be Continental. We
have him under guard In the library"
He confessed 10 the whole storyY'
MOT a word: claimed to know moth.
ing except that Claire was here. Said
he saw you, and then went away, not
getting back again until this morn.
Ing"
"The fellow is a liar. colonel. Let
me see him; I'll lash the truth out OF
his lips. Where did you say he was
In the library7"
had barely time to rise to my feet
when he entered. His eyes swept
across the guard. and then ccntered
upon me. Instantly they blaxed with
excitement. although | noticed he took
u sudden step backward In the first
shock Of surprise. his hand dropping
TO the butt Of pistol In his belt.
by all the goda!" he exclaimed
sharply. III II Isn't the spyl miss
the red jacket. but know the face.
Mister Lieutenant Fortcsque."
Major Lawrence. n you please"
returned quietly.
We'll not quarrel over tho name
I've had occasion to know you under
both: bearing one you were spy.
beneath the other leader OF bnnditti.
III hang you with equal pleasure un.
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 al Elmhurst DO you know
whose home this is?"
Most assurcdly." determined no, 20
loao my temper. or to bo moved BY
his threats. 1T is tho property OF
Colonel Mortimer. OF tho Queens
Rangers"
"And-and you--you came here to
agnin sco-thc daughter" he qucs.
toned. M though half rogrcttlng the
indlscrction OF such suspicion.
"oh. no. captain: you do tho lady
n grave injustice. came here
prisoner, very much ngnlnst my will.
not even aware whose plantation this