The Ozark spectator., 1917-01-20
CHAPTER Vlll-Continued.

David flushed with resentment at the mans coarseness, but he gave him civil good night. He planned to watch the house and confront Cran- 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 dozen steps when he heard Cranmer burst out in an exultant whisper that was louder than he realized:
 "Well, daughter, my work is done!"
 "Hush!" said Lydia sharply, and drew him within doors.
 David stopped short in his tracks. There was not q moment to lose 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 jolly, ingenious guest the Kentuckians must have found him!
 He set his jaws firmly together and took quick step toward the cabin. ? It might not be too late. A thread of light shone from the crack of the heavy door.
 "Mr. Cranmer !" he called.
 There was the sound of chair moved hastily back from table, and the figure of Cranmer was outlined n the candlelight
 "Well?" he asked suspiciously. @ "I have forgotten a matter that | wished to speak to you about, sir" said David. His voice was without 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 friendi- ness in his voice:
 "What can I do for you, my lad?"
 David breathed sigh of relief. It was time to come to action.
 "Tll 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 n clustering:
 "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! We'll, 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 we'll enough what I mean. I know that you are here as one of Englands spies. You have made notes concerning Fort Steuben. want them."
 An iLarticulate roar of rage burst from Cranmer. His voice shook with suppressed fury.
 "So 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! rll-"
 He choked with rage and hurled his bulk at David. But. with 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 1t, and the spy went down with grunt. In n 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 fulncss. 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 fin the wilderness, doubtless. Go. And may God forgive you!"
 He was conscious of no feeling of elation, but only of an unbearable re gret that life should be so sordid; and of a sickenIng sorrow for the poor girl whose father had forced her with him u,ong this shameful road. When he had gained the tavern. he examined the bundle of papers with a heavy heart---damning evidence. sketches of . dozen forts along the frontier, de tailed descriptions of the garrison of each. He folded them up carefully