The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-02-27

he come pack yid his mems all right
slash. shoot-his horse real up; that
vas the last / see already"
The lad got away, with three 9th
ers, sir" broke in a new voice at my
back. They wheeled and rode
through us, across the water. We
thought the horse guard would get
them over there, but / guess they
didn't; anyhow there was no firing. |
The fellows must have turned in I'M
der the bank, and rode like hell"
Satisfied as to this incident, and no
altogether regretful that the boy had
thus escaped, 1 held a short consulta-
ton with Duval, seeking explanation ]
as to why the command had been so |
unceremoniously thrust upon me. A
few words only were required to make |
the situation clear. Farrells ability
to injure and annoy the enemy largely
depended on his leadership not being
known. While taking part in every |
engagement, he always required his
~lieutenants to represent him in nego-
tiatiops, so that up to this time, what
ever the British might suspect, they
had no positive proof that he was
openly in arms against them. Duval.
in turn, taking advantage of my pres
| ence, had shifted the responsibility to
my shoulders.
But what do you people do with
your prisoners ?" 1 asked.
send EN- to the Continental lines
when we can" he explained, and II
we can't then turn 'em loose. No use
paroling 'em, as they consider us
guerillas. If I was you I'd run 'em
back to the farm house across the
creek, an hold 'em there till we get
rid Of this stun. Maybe it'll take
twenty-four hours to hide it all, and
burn the wagons. Then the boys can
turn EN- loose. an there's no harm
done. I'd like to take that fellow
Grant into our lines-he's a mean
| pillaging devil-but it's too big a risk;
Bristol is about the nearest picket
post, and the redcoats have got cav
airy patrols all along in back Of the
river"
But I cannot wait here" I an
swered, impatiently. Farrell under
stood that. | have important informa-
ton for Washington, and only came
with you tonight because you were
following along my route. I've got to
go on"
That's all right; Just give your
orders, and well attend TO the rest.
What we want is for these lads t.
go back to Philadelphia saying they
were attacked by a force of militia I'M
der command of an officer Of the Con-
t~inental line. That will give Clinton
a scare, and turn suspicion away from
us. Grant knows you, 1 understand,
so he'll report the affair that way.
You can be off within thirty minutes"
1t was easy to grasp the point of
view, and saw III reason for refusing
assistance. l gare the necessary or
ders, standing under the ~torchlight in
full view, and waited while a squad
of partisans rounded up the disarmed
prisoners, and guarded them down the
slope to the edge sof the stream.
Teams were doubled up, and several
Of the heavy wagons rumbled away
into the darkness. Two, too badly in
jured to be repaired, were fired where
they lay, the bright flames lighting
up the high banks on either side the
road. / found a big black horse, with
British arms on the briCle, and a pair
Of loaded pistols in tho holsters, a
~f1nelooking animal, and came back
into the fire glow, determined to lose
nc more time. Duval had disappear
ed, but, az stood there looking about
for him TO say goodbye, a young
country fellow came up hurriedly
from out the darkenss.
You're wanted down thar" he said.
with the jerk of a thumb over his
shoulder. The Tory officer wants
to see ye."
What officer? Captain Grant,
II reckon that's the one" indiffer-
emily: anyhow 1 was told to fetch We
down thar. Bannister sent me-
/ went as he directed down the
rutty road, my newly appropriated
horse trailing along behind. Grant
was pacing back and forth restlessly.
but, rs soon as I appeared within the
fire radius. he came toward me.
Can I see you alone?" he asked
~brusquely.
"If there Is any reason for privacy,
certainly" / answered In surprise.
What do you wish to say?"
This Is a matter strictly between
u.s." evasively. Il prefer not to dis
cuss It publicly here"
had a suspicion of treachery, yet
was not willing to exhibit any reluc-
lance.
very good. Bannister," to the par
tisan in charge. II want a word with
Captain Grant. and will be responsible
for his safe return"
The man looked after us doubtful
ly, yet permitted us to pass beyond
the guard lines. There was a stump
beside the ford, barely within the flick
er of the distant fire. and there J stop
ped, leaning against my horse, and
turned so as to look into the mans
face.
We'll. Grant" I said. rather sternly.
WE are alone now: what IN ~"