Wauwatosa news. [volume] (Wauwatosa, Wis.) 1900-1948, 1922-12-21

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through a gate, and Ersklne heard
the thue of his horses hoofs across
the meadow turf. He rode on slow
~, hitched Firefly as close to the edge
OF the road as was safe, and creps &c
the edge Of the garden, where he
could peer through the hedge. The
hall door was open and the hallway
lighted; so was the dining room; and
there were lights in Barbara's room.
There were no noises, not even of ami
NAL life, and no figures moving about
or In the house. What could he dor
One thing at least, no matter what
happened to him-he could number
Dane Grey's days and make this night
his last on earth. II would probably
be his own last night, too. Impa-
Siently he erawled hack TO the edge OF
the road. More quickly than he ex-
pected, he saw Ephraim's figure slip
ping through the shadows toward him.
"Dey's JUS through supper" he re-
ported. Miss Barbary didn't eat Wild
EN-. She's up in her room. Dat nd
der OFFICER been stormin' at Marse
Grey an hurryin' him up Nanny
been holdin de little missus back all
she can. She say she got to make
like she heppin her pack"
"Ephraim," said Erszine quickly,
"go tell Mr.. Grey that one Of his men
wants to see him right away at the
sundial. When he starts down the
path YOU run around the hedge and
be on hand In the bushes"
"Yassuh,"' and the boy showed his
teeth in comprehending smile. 1t
was not long before he saw Grey's
tall figure easily emerge from the hail
door and stop full In the light. He
saw Ephraim slip around the corner
and Grey move to the end Of the
porch, doubtless In answer to the
black boys whispered summons. For
moment the two figures were mo-
tionless and then Erskine began to
Jingle acutely from head TO foot. Grey
came swiftly down the great path,
which was radiant with moonlight.
AS Grey neared the dial Efskine
moved toward him, keeping in dark
shadow, but Grey saw him and called
in low tone but sharply:
well, what is it?" With two PAGES
more Erskine stepped out into the
moonlight with his cooked pistol at
Grey's breast.
This he said quietly. make no
noise-and don't move" Grey was
startled, but he caught his control In
stantly and without fear.
you are brave man, Mr.. Grey,
and so, for that matter, is-Benedict
Arnold"
captain Grey" corrected Grey in
solently.
Il do not recognize your rank. To
me you are merely Traitor Grey"
you are entitled to unusual free
dom of speech-under the circum-
stances"
Il shall grant You the same free.
DOM" Erskine replied qulckly-"in .
moment. Twice you have said that
you would fight me with anything. any
time, any place" Grey bowed slight.
". II shall ask you to make those
words good and shall accordingly
choose the weapons" Grey bowed
again. "EphraimT The boy stepped
from the thickef.
"Ah," breathed Grey. shat black
dewitt"
"Ain' you gwine 60 shoot him,
Marse Erskine?"
"Ephraiml' said Erslzine, 'slip into
the hall very quietly and bring me the
two rapiers ON the wall"
Erskine addressed Grey. Il know
more Of your career than you think,
Grey. You have been a spy as well
as traitor. And now you are crown
ing your infamy by weaving some
spell over my cousin ard trying to
carry her away In the absence Of her
father and brother, 60 what unhappi-
ness God only can know. / can hardly
hope that you appreciate the honor
am doing you"
"Not as much as / appreciate your
courage and the risk you are taking"
Erskine smiled.
1.-THE risk is perhaps less than you
think"
"You have not been idlef'
II have learned more of my ia.
theirs swords than knew when we
used them last"
II am glad--it will be more inter.
esting." Erskine looked toward the
house and moved irupatlently.
my brother officer nas dined too
WE'LL" noted Grey placidly, "and the
rest of my-er-retinue are gambling.
We are quite secure"
"Ahi" Erskine breathed-he had
seen the black boy run down the steps
with something under one arm and
presently Ephrailn was in the shadow
of the thicket:
'Give one to Mr.. Grey. Ephraim,
and the other to me. | believe you
said on that other occasion that there
was no choice Of blades2"
quite right" Grey answered, skill
fully testing his bit of steel.
keep well out of the way, Enh.
rain" warned Ersk.ne, "and take this
pistol. You may need 1t, IL l am
worsted. to protect yourself"