* - iff * <1 ** <• ** ' > >v-i - ! • -- '. j •*.* "t * ;.s <• "** i ** -• . •-<•' <- <> Erf COPYlRkSHT AXrrPCLUBS a COL 1911 Lawrence. son of Judss U*" «f Virginia, whose wife wm a seat on a perilous mission by <£??• Washington, just after the winter at val ley Forge. Disguised In a British uni form iL&wrence arrive# within the enemy s lines. The Major attends a *rea' we And saves the "lAdy of the Blenaea Hose" fVona mob. He later meet* the sprl *t a brilliant ball. Trouble la started fiver a waits, and Lawrence Is urged by tils partner. Mistress Mortimer (The Lady ft the Blended Rose), to make his escapo. fjSwrenoe is detected ap a spy by Captain «3rant of the British Army who agress lo k duel. The duel Is stopped by Grant a friends and the spy makes a dash tor liberty, swimming a river following a nar row escape. The Major arrives at the Shop of a blacksmith, who is friendly, and 'mows the Lady of the Blended Rosa. Captain Grant and rangers search black smith shop In vain for the spy. *jRW" fence Joins the minute men. Grant and lis train are captured by the minute men. i^aw re nee Is made prisoner by an Indian land two white men, who lock him in a (strong cell. Peter advises Lawrence not attempt to escape as "some fccould send for him. Grant's appearance adds mystery to the combination of cir cumstances. Lawrence again meets the l^ady of the Blended Rose, who Informs film that he Is In her house; and that she vas In command of the party that cap- ured him. The captive is thrust Into a ark underground chamber when Captain "rant begins a search of the premises, fter digging his way out. Lawrence nds the plaoe deserted. Evldenec of a attle and a dead man across the thres hold. Col. Mortimer, father of the Lady of the Blended Rose, finds his home In ruins. Capt. Grant Insists that Lawrence t>e strung up at once. Miss Mortimer ap pears, explains the mystery and Law- fence Is held a prisoner or war. Law rence escapes through plans arranged by the Lady and sees Grant attack Miss Mortimer. Grant Is knocked out by Law- fence', who comes to Miss Mortimer's re- Is t-1 and then makes his escape. Captain CSrant's base villany revealed. Lawrence eturns to Valley Forge, where learns ore of Grant's perfid.v. Washington orces Clinton at battle and Lawrence gets race of Srlc Mortimer. The battle of onmouth. Gen. Washington again starts wrance on an important mission. Lsw- enc<? finds Miss Mortimer in soldiers' nlform, acting as scout. Explanations ollow. Washington's dispatches are de- ievered to Gen. Arnold and Lawrence Is isslgnad to special service of capturing county after a raid, or else were start ing forth on some new project near at hand. Whichever was true. Elm- hurst lay in the direction taken. De termined to learn the truth, we pressed forward, riding rapidly,' yet exercising the precaution of keeping two scouts well In advance. It must have been nearly three o'clock when we reached the summit of the low hill within a few hundred yards of the house, and found the two scout# awaiting us. My first glanoe across the ravine revealed the outlines of the house above the low trees of the orchard. All appeared peaceable enough, and I felt a sudden relief. There were lights burning on the lower Boor, streaming through several windows, while up stairs one window was ablaze. Late as it was, this illumination was not surprising, however, as the care of the wounded man would necessitate night watchers, while, no d6ubt, Claire would anticipate by reaching there before morning. All this flashed over me, as my eyes hastily surveyed the familiar surroundings. Then I be came aware that the older scout was reporting. "There's quite a bunch of horses M • * ^ CHAPTER XXIX. I Run Across Eric. I slept three hours, the dead sleep of Sheer exhaustion, but felt refreshed r and strong when roughly aroused. Be fore sunset I was across the river, •where I found my little squad of dra goons prepared for their night's ad venture. Arnold had kept his word, the fresh horses being fine animals, the ammunition in excess of our needs. Coftroy was enthusiastic, and somewhat loquacious, but I cut his . conversation off rather sharply, and ordered the men into their saddles. • "With brain clarified by sleep I real ized the importance of the work be fore us, and how Imperfect my plans were. I could merely ride forth to Blmhurst, hoping to pick up some . clew to aid me. As we rode rapidly along the deserted road leading to Farrell's I reviewed over and over again every remembered detail, only to conclude that I muBt get hands on *6rant, and by threats, or any other {available means, compel him to con- less his part In the villainy. Dusk •ettled about us, succeeded by night, as we pressed steadily forward, the xnen riding silently, the only sound the thud of hoofs, and the slight jingle of accoutrements. As we passed the black walls of Farrel'B shop, I re called the papers found in Grant's ' coat, and the reference in Fagin's note .to a rendezvous at Lone Tree. Prob ably that was the spot where the two iiad been accustomed to meeting. If true In the past, why not now as well ? Suddenly it occurred to me that it "Was at a place called Lone Tree that minute men had gathered for their f mttack on Delavan's wagon train. 4-^Dould this, by any possibility, be the ' '-"Wine spot? I drew my horse back fceside Conroy. "Ever heard of a plaoe called Lone "Tree?" I asked quietly. He rubbed his head thoughtfully. "Not Just about here, sir. We -camped over east of there once, may be a year ago, down in a hollow where there was one big tree standin' all alone, kind of an odd-looldn' tree, sir, and seems to me, the guide said the place was called something like that. Say, Tom," to the nearest dragoon, "do you remember that Lone Tree Where we camped when we were out •(hunting' Tarleton?" "Sure; in east Medford. There was a. farmhouse across on the side of a bill. 1 got some buttermilk there." "Wasn't that what the guide called the place--Lone Tree?" "Derned if I know, sergeant. Don't recollect hearin' the guide say any- thin' T>out that, but the woman at the house told me her place was called Lone Tree cottage--BO I reckon he might." This was a chance worth trying. "We will take the first turn to the left, and have a look at the place," 1 said. "Conroy, you and Tom ride ahead, and keep your eyes open." We reached the hollow where the big tree stood, about midnight, but found little reward. The house on the hill had been burned to the ground. Near the tree, however, we discovered evidence of recent camp fires, one not yet cold, and apparently there had been quite a body of men camped there lately. Conrey manu factured a torch, and scouted about, ^ finually reporting: l$*- % don't know how many were here. If ;; ;r «tr, altogether, but there was a lot o' f§?i : horses picketed over near the creek. I reckon the last of them dldnt leave l until dark tonigttt, an' they rode north toward the main road. There was Sii maybe a dosen in that party." We followed the general direction ^ , <Ae fellows seemed to have taken, ' ' -Conroy and I on foot, scanning the trail by aid of a pine knot. The dust thick on the clay road through ?, the cut, where we had charged the foragers, and it was easy to see the band had turned e?st. There was but one conclusion possible; if this was Fagin's gang of cutthroats, as I sus pected. then they were either return sand caves in Monmouth picketed down there in the ravine, sir," he said, pointing toward the right "How many?" "Oh, maybe twenty-five or thirty; Joe an' I couldn't get very close, as there's a couple of men on guard on top of the bank. A hundred feet down you can see 'em plain against the sky." "Wasn't what you saw a cattle herd?" "No, sir," positively. "They're horses, picketed in line like a cavalry troop, and they've got their saddles on." What this all meant could not be guessed at, but there must be some scheme of deviltry under way. "Have either of you crossed the ra vine?" I asked, endeavoring to reach some conclusion. "Yes, sir, Joe did. He was up in the edge of the orchard?" "See any men?" "Not a man, sir, outside," answered the other. "But I saw shadows against the curtains on that lower floor. I couldn't tell how many; they Just come an' go, only they wasn't dressed' alike." One thing was sufficiently certain-- we could gain little information re maining where we were. < "Sergeant," 1 said, determining swiftly on a course of action, "take your men, dismounted, across the ra vine, and into the orchard. Keep un der cover, but get as close to the house as you can safely. Picket your horses back there beside the road." "And you, sir?" "I'll take Tom with me, and we'll circle that horse herd, and come up to the house from the rear. I want to discover where those fellows are, and what they are up to. See this whistle, sergeant?" "Yes, sir." "It gives a sharp, shrill blast If I blow it twice, get your men inside the house Instantly. I'll not sound it unless I need you at once. We'll wait here until you get across." They disappeared Into the black depths of the ravine, moving cautious ly and with little noise. Tom and I plunged down the steep slope, feeling our way through the darkness, but moving to the right, toward where the scouts had indicated the horses were being herded. We skirted these, creeping along the opposite bank be hind a fringe of bushes, oertaln that the darkness concealed our move ments from the two men on guard. We crossed fifty feet above, gained the top of the bank, and crawled down, sheltered from observation, un til we were directly above the two guards. Peering cautiously over, we could easily distinguish the black out- lines on the hillside below. One man wag standing up, leaning against the trunk of a small tree, while the other was sitting on the ground, his head bent forward, and his hat, drawn low over his eyes. Nei ther had uttered a sound, but as my eyeB strained through the darkness I began to perceive details which awakened a new suspicion. The fel low standing up wore a cap and no coat, and his hands were clasped about a short, sawed-off gun. He had none of the appearance of the BOI- dicr, but the other man apparently was in uniform, although I could not distinguish its character. What in stantly attracted my attention was the fact that his hands were evidently tied behind his back. If this was true then he was a prisoner, and the other had been stationed there to guard him, and not the horses. Tom perceived this as soon as I, for I felt his fingers grip my arm. "Creep around the edge of the rock there," I said, pointing. "That will bring you at his back, and not more than five feet away. Can you do it?" He nodded grimly. "Leav« your weapons here," I added, "and when you spring, get hold of his gun so he cannot fire. Ill cover him the instant you strike. Go on." He unbuckled his belt, and crept along to the right, so noiaelessly that even I, watching hie snake-like move ment, could hear no sound. The guard did not move his head, and the other remained motionless, his faoe bent almost to his knees. Down be low the horses stamped restlessly, and switched their tails. Watching each motion like a hawk, I saw Tom dip over the crest, and worm his way down behind the rock. Then he dis appeared, until, as he cautiously arose to his feet, his head and shoulders emerged shadowy just beyond. Real izing he was ready, I got to my knees, gripping a pistol butt. Without warning sound the dragoon leaped, his arms gripping the astounded sentinel with the hug of & bear. He gave ut terance to one grant and then the barrel of my pistol was at his head. "Not a word!" I said sternly. "Un clasp his belt, Tom. Yes, take his gun. If he moves, or utters a sound, shoot him down." I wheeled to face the other, who had lifted his head, and was starlqg at us through the darkness. He . was no longer a mere shapeless shadow, bat a slender, straight figure, and my heart gave a Midden throb. "Who are you?" I asked sharply. "Eric Mortimer?" "Yes," he answered, in evident sur prise. "Do I know youT* "No,"c and I cut the rope binding his ankles. "But I was searching for you. I am an officer of Maxwell's bri gade; my name is Lawrenoe. Tell me first what has happened--why you are being held prisoner/' He stretched hfs cramped arms and legs, lifting his hat so that I saw his face dimly. In the gloom his resem blance to Claire was so remarkable that I Involuntarily exclaimed: "Heavens! but you look like your sister!" "Like Clafre! they all say so; you know her?" ( "It Is at her request I am here; you need not fear to tell me your story." "Oh, I do not. I can see your uni form. But damn It, I don't know any too much about what is up myself. This Is Red Fagin's outfit." "I thought so. Where did he get you? How long have you been a pris oner?" v The boy laughed recklessly, his eyes upon the others. "Well, my story is a short one, Lawrence. I had a fellow in the Brit ish service who occasionally gave me Information. Word came to me to meet him at a certain spot--" "You mean Capt^n Grant?" "Hell! How did you know that?" "Never mind; I do know--so you can go on." "I had no intention of speaking names." "Oh, let that paB^. You may think Grant all right, but the rest of us know he Is at the bottom of the whole matter." "You'll find oat tor yerself, mister," he answered sullenly, "an' maybe damn quick too." "They are in the grape arbor to the south of the houde," broke in Eric. "That was where Fagin told them to lie quiet and wait orders." "Then we will explore along the north side, keeping the fence between us. I've got a handful of men over there in the orchard. If yon are both ready we'll go." I took a look myself at Tom's rope- tying, and found it satisfactory. In deed, in remembrance of my own suf fering, I even loosened the strain a little, confident the fellow could never free himself unaided. Then the three of us, Mortimer armed with his late guard's gun, crawled up over the edge of the bank,, ran without stopping across the open space, and crouched in the shadow of the fence. It was, still dark, although a faint gray tinged the eastern sky-line, barely perceptible through the intervening trees. The great house, a hundred yards away, was but a blurred outline, distinguish able by the lights shining out through open windows. At' that distance no sound reached us. However, If Mor timer was right the way would be clear for our passage along the front under shelter of the fence, even though a sentry was posted there, and we could creep up to the walls on the opposite side unobserved. All we taking me for some one else, and took me to Elmhurst Am soon as she learned my identity she acknowl edged her 4)rror. But I have not learned yet why she was with Dela- van, or for whom she mistook me." The lad drew In his breath sharp ly, gripping me by the shoulder. "By the Lord Harry!" he exclaimed excitedly. "There, isn't another girl in the Colonies who would have done it I'll bet I can explain, but even 1 didn't think she would ever have the nerve to perform such a deed. I told you I left my papers there. I forgot them where I changed my clothes. You see I came out wearing the uniform of a British dragoon lieutenant, and had it all planned out to join Delavan, and guide him toward Philadelphia over the Lone Tree road. Just before I left our camp at Valley Forge on this trip I received orders from Washington to keep my eyes open for a courier rid ing from Philadelphia to New York with Clinton's plans of evacuation. Hamilton seemed to know all about this, and sent me special instructions. I talked of it with Claire, planned how I was going to waylay him, and to gether we fixed «p those servants as soldiers to help ism carry oat the de ception." He paused, chuckling, and I halted, eager to learn the rest "And when you disappeared; when, perhaps, she beard of your capture, needed to do was to advance with < or suspected It, she assumed the die- caution. Whispering directions into the ears of the others, I moved for ward slowly, Mortimer close to my shoulder. I could see across the top rail of the fence, and the open space beyond yielded no point of conceal ment "Tell me the rest of your story." I said, speaking softly, "as we go along. Where did Fagin take you?" "To a sand cave; we rode a night and a day to get there." "Treat you all right?" "Well as he could, I suppose. I had enough to eat, but was guarded close ly, and the fellows were a bit rough." "Did you gain no inkling of what they were up to?" "No; the men I saw knew nothing, or pretended not to. I only saw Fagin twice. Once he came to assure him self that I was really myself. Some- m He Qlve Utterance to One Grunt and Then the Barrel ef My Pistol Was at His Head. "You mean he betrayed me?" , "There is no doubt of it He is in with Fagin." The lad drew a long breath. "I half suspected It," he said slowly, "only It didn't seem possible. Now listen, and perhaps together we can make something out of all this. I went to the place where we were to meet, and had a talk with Grant-- yes, it was Grant all right. He told me some things, but needed a day or two to get other Information. While waiting I came over here to Elmhurst, and found Claire. She's thedtlnd of a girl you can tell things to, and I wrote out what 1 had learned, and left some of my papers. Then I went back to Lone Tree. It was dark when I got there, and I rode right into Fagin and three of his men. They had me before could lift a hand." "Just wait a minute, Mortimer," I broke in, becoming suddenly aware there was a grayness in the eastern sky. "I want to creep in toward the house while it remains dark. You can tell the rest as we go along. Tom, take these ropes and tie your man up. Make him safe, and then come along after us." "All right, sir. I'll fix the lad so he'll be safe enough for a while." CHAPTER XXX. We Attain the House. "Come on. Mortimer, and we'll soon find out -what Is going on." I turned to the prisoner. "Where are the rest of your gang?" body told him I was with Delavan in fight over near Lone Tree." "That was your sister." "What! You don't mean it was Claire ?" 'But I do. I chanced to be in that affair myself, and saw her. Later she, with three others--Peter, an Indian, and an Irishman--captured me, mis- carded uniform and went forth la your 6tead." "That's It, Lawrence. She would, if she thought it was right; if she be lieved such an act necessary to Isave my reputation. IH bet she found the papers in my pocket and mistook you for Clinton's dispatch bearer." "There is no doubt of it," I said so berly. "And that wasn't all she did to protect you. It was the talk at Lee's headquarters that you had de serted. She stamped that a lie, by riding into our lines day before yes terday, bringing an exact report of where Clinton was marching. I didn't see her, but I heard all about it and you get the credit Washington told me with his own lips, and granted her permission to remove your father, who was badly wounded, to Elmhurst." "(food God! Are they here now?" "They must have reached here early yesterday morning. I passed them on the road at ten o'clock. Grant had just joined their party, claiming to be hunting after deserters." He clung to the fence rail, staling out toward the house. "Grant! Do you know, I believe that fellow 1b at the bottom of this whole affair. He's In love with Claire, and--and he's working some scheme to gain poWer over her." "Several schemes, I think," I re turned heartily. "I've nipped two of them in the bud already. Someway, Mortimer, he got possession of those Instructions you received from Wash ington and Hamilton. I ran Into him over there on the lawn, back of the summer-houBe. He was threatening Claire, trying to drive, her into mar rying him ofThand. We had a bit of a fight and I got the best of it When I left I wore his coat and later found your papers In his pocket Do you remember how they were addressed ?** He shook his head. "Simply 'Mortimer.' It occurred to me he could turn them over to Clin ton. accuse the colonel of treason, and share in the confiscation of this es tate, or else hold them as a threat over your sister. I burned them." He was silent for a long minute; breathing hard; then he thrust out his hand and clasped mlnfe. (TO BE CONTINUED.) Power of a Word. A Bingle word was often sufficient for Talleyrand to make • his keenest retort When a hypochondriac, who had notoriously led a profligate life, complained to the diplomatist that he was enduring the tortures of hell Talleyrand simply answered, "Al ready?" 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