Part 15 (1/2)

There was an exclamation of surprise, a quick exchange of sentences indistinguishable, although I was sure of Grant's peculiar accent, and the other voice was that of the young Light Dragoon lieutenant. Uncertain what best to do I stole toward the door and gripped the k.n.o.b. This was the only known way out, for I dare not venture to use the window which was in plain view of those soldiers resting on the lawn. Whether Peter had retired or not, I possessed no means of knowing, yet I opened the door silently a bare inch to make sure. At the same instant my ears caught the lieutenant's dismissing order, even as my eyes had glimpse of Swanson's broad back blocking the open doorway of a room nearly opposite.

”That will do, Peter, for the present. Have the table prepared for three guests at once.”

He backed out, casting a quick glance of caution in my direction, and disappeared down the hall, rubbing his bald head industriously. I opened the door wider, wondering if I dare venture upon slipping by un.o.bserved.

Then Grant spoke, his voice loud enough to be easily heard:

”How did we come here? Why, where else could we go? The d.a.m.ned rebels stripped us clean; we had to have food. This was the nearest place where we were certain of getting any. Of course I didn't know you were here, but I did know our foragers had left Elmhurst alone, and that--for some cause which mystifies Clinton--these Jersey outlaws have been equally considerate. There was plenty to be had here, and I meant to have it in spite of the servants.”

”You must have marched straight past your own place,” the boyish voice interrupted.

”Well, what if we did. There was nothing there, as you know. The house has been stripped to a mere sh.e.l.l. Not a n.i.g.g.e.r left, nor a horse. I'd like to know what influence keeps this property untouched!”

”That's easily answered. You forget we are a divided family, with fighting men on either side.”

”Little these outlaws care for that.”

”At least they appear to, as we remain unmolested. There has not been a raiding party halted here since the war began.”

”Well, if you hadn't been at home, there would have been one along now,”

burst forth Grant rather roughly. ”Those fellows out there are desperate enough to sack the house if that was their only method of getting food.

And I promised they should have the chance.”

”Oh, you did, indeed! That would have proven a friendly act.”

”Necessity does not take much account of friends.h.i.+p. I was responsible for a hundred starving men. Under such conditions force would be justified. I doubt if I could control the fellows now if provisions should be refused.”

”There is no necessity for indulging in threats, Captain Grant,” said the boy's voice coldly. ”Elmhurst has never yet turned a soldier away in hunger. Peter will instruct what few servants remain to attend to the immediate needs of your men. May I ask how long you expect to remain?”

I thought Grant was walking nervously back and forth across the room.

”How long? Until night, probably. Then with a bite in our haversacks we'll take the road again. That is, providing you condescend to act as our host for so long a time. Odds life! but this reception is not over warm to my thinking.”

”Elmhurst is not a tavern, sir.”

”No; but the home of a loyalist--the commander of half those men out yonder. However I am not pleading for them, but myself personally. What welcome have I had? By all the G.o.ds, I was almost compelled to fight that bald-headed old fool to even gain admittance to the hall. Were those your orders?”

”a.s.suredly not. But you must consider circ.u.mstances, and forgive Peter for being over zealous in my service. I received you as soon as I knew who you were.”

”Yes,” somewhat mollified, ”I presume that is true, although you are chilly enough, the Lord knows. But what brings you here?”

”That must remain my secret, Captain Grant--for the present.”

”Oh, very well. I thought it might have some connection with Eric's presence in this neighborhood.”

”With Eric! What do you mean? Have you seen him?”

”Ah! so I've got below the surface at last! I thought I might with that thrust. Yes, I saw him last night. I didn't know what the devil the fellow was up to, but I thought I'd let him play out his game. It was a right nervy trick, so far as it went, but unfortunately the rebels came in before I discovered what it all led up to.”