The Springfield herald. (Springfield, Baca County, Colo.) 1887-1919, 1913-01-24

taking me for some one else. and took
me to Elmhurst. AS soon as she
learned my Identity she acknowi-
edged her error. But l have not
learned yet why she was with Della
van or for whom she mistook me-"
The lad drew in his breath sharp
ly. gripping me by the shoulder
by the Lord Harry" he exclaimed
excitedly. There isn't another girl
in the Colonies who would have done
1t. I'll bet | can explain, but even !
didn't think she would evss have the
! nerve to perform such iced. told
you l left my papers there. ! forgot
them where | changed my clothes. You
see | came out wearing the uniform OF
British dragon lieutenant. and had
It all planned out to Join Delavan. and
guide him toward Philadelphia over
the Lone Tree road. Just before left
our camp at Valley Forge on this trip
| received orders from Washington to
keep my eyes open for courier rid
ing from Philadelphia to New York
with Clinton's plans OF evacuation
Hamilton seemed to know all about
this, and sent me special instructions.
l talked OF 1t with Claire. planned how
was going to waylay him. and to-
gether we fixed up those servants as
soldiers to help me carry out the de
ception."
He paused. chuckling, and | halted.
eager to learn the rest.
and when you Disappeared: when,
perhaps, she heard Of your capture.
or suspected 1t. she assumed the dis
carded uniform and went forth in
your stead"
That's 1t, Lawrence. She would.
IL she thought it was right; II she be-
lieved such an act necessary to save
my reputation. III bet she found the
papers in my pocket. and mistook you
for Clinton's dispatch bearer"
There is no, doubt of it," l said So
berly. And that wasn't all she did
to protect you. 1t was the talk at
Lees headquarters that you had de
serted. She stamped that lie. by
riding into our lines day before yes
terday, bringing an exact report OF
where Clinton was marching. ! didn't
see her, but / heard all about 1t. and
YOU get the credit. Washington told
me with his own lips. and granted her
permission to remove your father. who
was badly wounded. to Elmhurst."
Good God! Are they here now?"
They must have reached here early
Yesterday morning. passed them OF
the road at ten o'clock. Grant hat
Just Joined their party. claiming te
be hunting after deserters."
He chung to the fence rail. staring
out toward the house.
Grant! Do you know, ! believe
that fellow is at the bottom OF thi:
whole affair He's in love with Claire
and-and he's working some scheme
to gain power over her."
Several schemes. | think" l re
turned heartily. i've nipped two o.
them in the bud already. Someway
Mortimer, he got possession OF those
instructions you received from Wash
,neton and Hamilton. I ran into hin
over there on the lawn. back of the
summer-house. He was threatening
Claire, trying to drive her into mar
rying him offhand. We had bit of 6
fight. and | got the best Of 1t. Wher
left were his coat. and later founc
YOUR papers in his pocket. Do yot
remember how they were addressed?'
He shook his head.
simply Mortimer 1t occurred te
me he could turn them over to Gin
ton. accuse the colonel of treason, anc
share in the contiscation OF this es
tate. or else hold them as threat
over your sister | burned them"
He was silent for long minute;
breathing hard: then he thrust out his
hand and clasped mine.
CrO BE CONTINUEDD