Tombstone epitaph., 1917-04-15
CHAPTER vi,l-Cont nued.

-S-
 David flushed with resentment at the mans coarseness, but he gave him Q civil good night. He planned to watch the house and confront Cran- mer when Lydia was not present e -You won't stay a bit longerf I've been kept overlong with the young men across the river-they're a Set of jolly dogs You won't stayf Good night my boy"
 The man was evidently laborins un- der an excitement not wholly due to wine; David had not taken a dozen steps when he heard Cranmer burst out in an exultant whisper that was louder than he realized:
 Well, daughter. my work is doneI"
 "HushI" said Lydia sharply, and drew him within doors.
 David stopped short In his tracks. There vas not a moment to lose. Withou: doubt, Cranmer had finished his work us a spy and was ready to leave, laden with information that would be of value to the British, should war actually be declared What jolly. ingenious guest the kentuckians must have found himl
 He set his jaws firmly together and took a quick step toward the cabin. It might not be too late. A thread of light shone from the crack of the heavy door,
 Mir. CranmerI" he called.
 There was the sound of a chair moved hastily back from a table, and the figure of Cranmer was outlined in the candlelight.
 "Well?" he asked suspiciously.
 "l have forgotten a matter that l wished to speak to you about sir" said David His voice was without a trace of agitation.
 There was moments pause Cranmer peered into the darkness.
 Well. if it's no great matter I'll just step outside again" . He closed the door behind him and came forward with hearty friendli- ness in his voice:
 What can l do for you. my lad?" David breathed a sigh of relief. It was time to come 10 action.
 "I'll trouble you for those plans, Cranmer." be said quietly.
 The man recoIled step and David heard him draw in his breath sharply. But the night hid his expression and he summoned a clustering:
 Plans? What plansl Young man, you choose strange hour to joke in"
 You are well aware this Is no joke, Cranmer. l want those plans of Fort Steuben."
 Fort Steuben! Well, damme, If this isn't impudence, If you've some what to say, say 1t, and be done with this foolishness."
 David took a step forward.
 You know well enough what I mean. I know that you are here as one of England's spies. You have made notes concerning Fort Steuben. l want them"
 An inarticulate roar of rage burst from CTanmer. His voice shook with suppressed fury.
 ''So that's what you've been doing, you dirsy whelp, Spying on me while you preended to court my daughteri I'll break you with my two hands. you dog, Tll--"
 He chokej with rage and hurled his bulk at David. But, with a litheness newborn in the wilderness, David stepped quickly to one side and drove his long right arm full at the Eng llshman's distorted face. The blow vent straight to the jaw. with the mo- mentum of a sinewy body behind it. and the spy went down with a grunt. In flash David had leaped upon him. pinioning his arms with his knees, while he tore open the mans waist coat end thrust his hand quickly into his pockets. A fat bundle of papers rewarded his search and he rose 10 his feet with an ejaculation of thank fulness. Cranmer groaned weakly and strove in vain to rise.
 "Cet upT said David grimly. "Your game Is done for. One word from me and you hang at sunrise. But, for your daughters sake. I'll give you a chance for your life. Get out of CIarksburg tonight and I'll hold these papers. You know where to go-your Indian friends will find hole for you in the wilderness, doubtless. Col Ant may God forgive your
 Hs was conscious of no feeling of elud. n. but only of an unbearabie re- gret that life should be so sordid; and of sIckening sorrow for the poor girl whose father had forced her with him along this shameful road. When he had gained the tavern, he examined .he bundle of papers with a heavy seart-damni.sg evidence. sketches of | dozen forts along the frontier. de tailed descriptions of the garrison of ~ex 6s folded then UT carefully