The St. Charles herald. [volume] (Hahnville, La.) 1873-1993, 1917-02-03
CHAPTER VIlI-continued.

-
David flushed with resentment at |
the mans coarseness, but he gave him |
q civil good night. He planned to |
watch the house and confront Gran
mer when Lydia was not present.
"You won't stay a bit longer? I've
been kept overlong with the young
men across the riyer-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 a moment to lose.
Without doubt, Cranmer had finished
his work as 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 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. Cranmer 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.
81 have forgotten a matter that
i wished to speak to you about, SIR"
said David. His voice was without a
trace Of agitation.
There was q moments pause.
Cranmer peered into the darkness.
well, II it's no great matter I'll
Just step outside again"
He closed the door behind him and
came forward with hearty friendii-
ness In his voice:
"What can I do for you, my lad?"
David breathed sigh Of relief. 1t
was time to come to action.
"TH trouble you for those plans,
Cranmer," he said quietly.
The man recoiled step and David
heard him draw in his breath sharply.
But the night hid his expression ana
he summoned clustering:
"Plans? What plans? Young man.
you choose a strange hour to joke IN.
"You are well aware this Is no joke,
Cranmer. / want those plans OF Fort
Steuben." !,
"Fort Steuben! Well, damme, IL
this isn't impudence! If you've some
what to say, say it, and be done VIII
this foolishness."
David took step forward.
sYou know well enough wnat
mean. I know that you are here al
one of Englands spies. You nave
made notes concerning Fort SteuDen
7 want them. h,.s
from Cranmer. His voice SHOOK "ili
suppressed fury. -.
DO that's what you've been doing
YOU dirty whelpl Spying on me VIM
Won pretended to court my oausn.el
III break you with my two nands' yo'
BE cho,xed with rage and hurled I'll
s.,,1,v az David. But, with a htnenes
,,orn IN the wilderness, Davl
ntanned ouickly to one side and oroV
80 1ono right arm full at the Eng
,,snman's distorted face. Inc pioN
went straight to the jaw Wltn sae !,
,nentum of sinewy BODY peiiinu
ia the spy went down with grun
T. f,ash David had leaped upon mn
A..s.n;no his arms with MS Knee
Ill no fore open the mans "ais
W. ond thrust his hand quickly I'M
nockets. A fat bundle OF paper
- his search and ne rose
his feet with an ejacuiatioh ~ aaL,
+rIness. Cranmer groaheu "
md stroye in vain to rise. 49,.
mnet up,' said David grimly. io'
"a dome for. One word from %
gam rnr hang at sunrise. But =
anu sauchter,s sake, I'll give you
you for your life. Get gu.
sCisrksburg tonight ana In - no GO,
osnars. You know where 70 go y, :,
1rasan friends win ma nole A =,
.te wilderness, douDtiess' :"
- "a nav God forgive your
&c conscious OF no reenns
'n,,t only Of an unbearaDle
es .at fife should be SO sordid =,
se1 sscSaning sorrow for the poor y
Af satnar had forced her with n,
slIor this shameful roau :. sramin
,.ad gained the taveln' 9TH . hea
ihe sDun samnlng evidence. sketches
heer r.sa fOrts along the frontier !sr,,
tailrd descriptions or. q .ns M careful