The Benson signal., 1917-03-03
CHAPTER VIli-cont:nued.


s.
David flushed with resentment at
the mans coarseness, but he gave him
a civil good night. He planned to
watch the house and confront Gran
mer when Lydia was not present.
'You won't stay bit longer? I've
been. kept overlong with the young
men across the river-they're set of
jolly dogs. You won't stay? Good
night, my bOy!"
The man was evidently labOring un-
der an excitement not wholly due to
wine; David had not taken q dozen
steps when he heard Cranmer burst
out in an exultant whisper that was
louder than he realized:
swell, daughter, my work is done u
'Hush 70 said Lydia sharply, and
drew him within doors.
David stopped short in his tracks.
There was not moment to lose.
Without doubt, Cranmer had finished
his work as spy and was ready to
leave, laden with information that
would be of value to the British,
should war actually be declared.
What a jolly, ingenious guest the
Kentuckians must have found him!
He set his jaws firmly together and
took quick step toward the cabin.
1t might not be too late. A thread Of
light shone from the crack of the
heavy door.
"Mr. Cranmerp ~ he called.
There was the sound Of q chair
moved hastily back from a table, and
the figure of Cranmer was outlined
in the candlelight.
"Well?" he asked suspiciously.
II have forgotten a matter that
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.
swell, 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 I do for you. my lad?"
David breathed sigh of relief. It
was time to come to action.
''I'll trouble you for those plans,
Cranmer," he said quietly.
The man recoiled a step and David
heard him draw in his breath sharply.
But the night hid his expression and
he summoned blustering:
"Plans? What plans? Young man,
you choose strange hour to joke in."
'You are we'll aware this is no joke,
Cranmer. I want those plans of Fort
Steuben."
"Fort Steuben! Well, damme, if
this isn't impudence! If you've some
what to say, say it, and be done with
this foolishness."
David took 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.
/ want them"
An inarticulate roar Of rage burst
from Cranmer. His voice shook with
suppressed fury.
$50 that's what you've been doing,
you dirty whelp! Spying on me while
you pretended to court my daughter
I'll break you with my two hands, you
dog! I'll"
He choked 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
lishman's distorted face. The blow
went straight to the jaw, with the mo-
mentum of a sinewy body behind it,
and the spy went down with grunt.
In a flash David had leaped upon him,
pinioning his arms with his knees,
while he tore open the mans waist
coat and thrust his hand quickly into
his pockets. A fat bundle of papers
rewarded his search and he rose to
his feet with an ejaculation of thank
fulness. Cranmer grOaned weakly
and strove in vain to rise.
"Get up!" 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
Clarksburg tonight and I'll hold these
papers. You know where to go-your
Indian friends will find a hole for you
in the wilderness, doubtless. Col
And may God forgive your
R& was conscious Of no feeling Of
elatiGn, but only Of an unbearable 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
the bundle of papers with heavy
heart-damnil% evidence, sketches Of
a dozen forts along the frontier, de-
tailed descriptions of the garrison Of
each He folded them up carefully