The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-04-03
CHAPTER XVIII.
Al Cross

AZ SOulu uOt Dc ~CCHSlueISQ an NH
pleasant place of Imprisonment, Jet
ii 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 inadvertently. My at
tempt at approaching the window was
instantly checked by a 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 al
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.
Il 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 a pause, and then the same
voice. and / recognized 1t now as
Grants beyond a doubt. "Ah, colonel,
what In Gods name has happened
here? / heard that you were out
hunting us at Farrell's blacksmith
shop, and came back as swiftly as |
could ride. But | never suspected
this. Who were the miscreants ?"
That Is a question not yet an
swered. Captain Grant," replied Nor
timer slowly. ut looks like the work
of Pine Robbers. Do you recognize
this fellow?"
"Ay," and from the muf1ed 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 1t possible"
II 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
lieved 1t possible she was here? DID
some n tell your"
Yes; we caught q fellow in the
house when we arrived. He had nc
time for escape-rough-looking miscre
ant, claiming to be a Continental. We
have him under guard IN the library
He confessed to the whole story?'
mot a word; claimed TO know moth
ing except that Claire was here. Sale
he saw you, and then went away, mo-
getting back again until this morn
ing"
"The fellow Is a liar, colonel. Lee
me see him; I'll lash the truth out o.
his lips. Where did you say he was
In the Hbrary?"
had barely time to Else to my fee
when he entered. His eyes swep
across the guard, and then centere,
upon me. Instantly they blazed Will
excitement, although l noticed he tool
a sudden step backward in the frs
shock of surprise, his hand dropping
to the butt Of a pistol In his belt.
by all the gods!" he exclaime,
sharply. "1f 1t isn't the spyl mis-
the red jacket. but I know the face
Mister Lieutenant Fortesque."
Major Lawrence. IL you please"
returned quietly.
Wen not quarrel over the nam,
I've had occasion to know you unde
both; bearing one you we're a sp!
beneath the other a leader OF bandit
I'll hang you with equal pleasure vi
der either" Suddenly he seemed I
remember where we were. and b
face flushed with newly aroused rag
"But first you'll explain what you al
doing here at Elmhurst. Do you kno
whose home this ISL"
Most assuredly," determined not
lose my temper, or to be moved /
his threats. 1T 10 tho property
Colonel Mortimer. Of the Queen
Rangers."
"And-and you-you came here
again see-the daughterf 2" he que
toned. as though half regretting Il
indiscretion Of such . suspicion.
oh NO. captain: ycn do the las
grave injustice. I came here
prisoner. vsry much against my wi
llnnk snn aNnsa ~Anas nAnn1nt&aa n