The Huttig news., 1915-09-25

few months," he said, in explanation, and l don't remember any such chap He is none of Ramsay's scouts. What do you say, Snow?"
 "Only man like that I've heard of sir, is old Ned Cowan, and it ain't likely he's left the mountains to go into Old Jacks camp"
 Fox laughed, as though the idea amused him.
 Hardly. Cowan is too we'll known to take the risk. Either side would hang the hound on sight We'll, let's ride along into Hot Springs. You'll come with us. lieutenant?"
 There was no excuse left me, no req son that 1 could urge for riding on alone westward. Indeed, before I could clearly collect my thoughts, was in the midst of the horsemen, slowly moving east once more over the dark road. Riding as rapidly as the darkness made possible, we clat- tered into the deserted street at Hot Springs, and Fox curced vigorously the negligent guard. The sergeant knew little of where Major Harwood had gone, as he had given no orders, and not even intimated the proba ble time of his return. When last seen he was riding out the south road accom- panied only by his servant.
 Fox swore again, and ordered the men into saddle, and we swung out at a sharp trot along the dirt pike I rode next him, but the captain was in such rage l kept silent, knowing we'll the tragic discovery soon to be re- vealed. The gray dawn began to steal about us, making objects near at hand visible, and revealing the tired faces of the cavalrymen. There was suffi- cient light to enable us to perceive the gloomy house in the oak grove, and the motionless form lying beside the gate. Fox drew up his horse with a jerk, and leaned forward staring
 My God, meni" he exclaimed, choking That's Harwood's nigger. Turn the body over, Green-ahl the poor devil was knifed. Here, half dozen of you. unsling carbines and follow me-there's been dirty work done. Sergeant. don't let your men destroy those hoofprints in the road. Lively now lads!'
 I advanced with them up the drive. way, fearful that if I held back it might later be commented upon The front door refused admittance. but we entered from the rear. Everything within was exactly as 1 had left it. and in the parlor, still dark because of closed blinds, lay the lifeless body of Harwood. Fox fell upon his knees beside the motionless form, ordering the windows thrown open. his hands touching the Iifeless flesh
 Dead for hours," he exclaimed in a tone of horror. turning his gaze upon me- Struck from behind-see, Ray mond What in Gods name can this mean?"
 He began searching the pockets.
 Not robbery-for here is money, and a watch. But the papers are gone every scrap of them" He looked abou dt Jue IHGA. le ndJOT QdQ HIS ps pers with him. did he not. Chambers!
 Yes, sir" and the young, poyis
 soldier addressed strengthened up
 was with him when he put on cit
 zen's clothes and he slipped big bul packet into his pocket"
 Fox's bewildered glance met mine
 Do you know what that packe contained, captain?" I questioned l T do not know. Harwood expecte, to meet Taylor here at Hot Springs but I think there were others to b. 1 here also. The major kept his owr | counsel. but something I overheard caused me to believe his engagement with Taylor was of more private ma ture. Chambers was his clerk, per haps he knows"
 The lad shook his head, his eyes or the dead man.
 I'm certain those papers were not meant for him, sir" he answered