Part 15 (2/2)
”You do not make it very clear to me.”
”I told you it was not clear even to myself. This is all I know. When I joined Delavan last night just after dark, he had a young officer of Light Dragoons in charge of his advance guard. I merely got a glimpse of the fellow as we rode in, and he looked so devilishly like Eric that I asked Delavan who the lad was. He said he had joined at Mount Holly with three men, was going through to Philadelphia with despatches from New York, and was only too glad of escort the rest of the way. Being short of officers Delavan gave him charge of the van.”
”Did he recognize you?”
”I hardly think so; it was pretty dark, and I was put on guard over the rear wagons. I supposed I would have ample opportunity to learn the truth after it became daylight.”
”But you believed him to be Eric?”
”Yes, and after the attack I was convinced. He and the three men with him bolted and got away. Must have run at the first fire, for the fellows had us completely hemmed in. It was Eric all right, and that is about half the reason why I led my men back here--I wanted to find out if he was hiding about the old place. Is it true you haven't seen him?”
”Quite true; indeed I had no reason to suppose him in the Jerseys at this time.”
Grant remained silent, probably not wholly convinced that he was being told the truth, and yet not venturing to state openly his suspicions.
However the other said no more, and finally the Ranger felt compelled to answer.
”Of course,” he explained rather lamely, ”I couldn't altogether blame you for concealing the boy if he had shown up here, but you will realize that as a King's officer I have a serious duty to perform.”
”You would apprehend Eric? Would betray him into British hands? Is that your meaning, Captain Grant?”
”What else could I do? Don't be unreasonable! Boy as he is, no one in all that crew of ragam.u.f.fins has done us greater harm. Again and again he has learned our secrets and brought Was.h.i.+ngton information of our plans. How he does it is the mystery of this department--Howe has personally offered a thousand pounds for his arrest. Surely you know that. Last night I thought we had him in our power, but the very devil seems to protect him from capture, even when luck brings him fairly within our grip.”
”And so you came here to search for him?” I could feel the bitter scorn in the voice. ”In his father's home!”
”I certainly did,” angrily. ”I shall search the house from cellar to garret before I leave.”
”But you are on parole.”
”d.a.m.n the parole. What do I care for a pledge given to a band of plundering outlaws? And what do I care for Eric? He chose for himself, and has no right to expect any mercy from me, and by all the G.o.ds, he'll receive none. I half believe that attack last night was his planning, and that now you have him hidden away here. Now listen to me! I do not desire to be harsh, but I'm a soldier. My men are not armed, but there are enough out there to handle the servants barehanded. No one can get out of this house without being seen; I've attended to that.”
”And you propose searching the rooms?”
”I do. If you had been a little more genial I might have exhibited greater courtesy. But I haven't any use for Eric, and never had. Now you know the truth.”
”It merely ill.u.s.trates more clearly your character.”
”You are always free enough with your comments. I shall do my duty to the King.”
”Very well, sir,” and the incensed lieutenant pushed back his chair.
”Then we clearly understand each other at last. I am sincerely glad of it. From now on I shall never again be guilty of mistaking you for a friend or a gentleman. No, I have no wish to listen to another word; you have spoken frankly enough, and I understand the situation. Perhaps it is only anger, but it gives me the excuse I have been seeking after a long while in vain. Whatever claim you may have had upon my regard in the past is over with, forever over with, Captain Grant.”
”But--but, surely--”
”I mean precisely that. You can cover your despicable actions with the gloss of military duty, but I know you now as a revengeful liar. Treat this house as you please. I refuse to have any more dealings or words with you. I'll provision you and your men, as I would any others suffering from hunger, but that ends all. If you search this house do it by force, and in any way you please, but expect no a.s.sistance from me. I bid you good-day, sir, and will send Peter to call you when breakfast is ready.”
I closed the crack of the door as he came forth into the hall, having no desire to be caught listening. My own position was more unpleasant and hazardous than ever. Whatever reason the lieutenant might have for holding me prisoner I was convinced he possessed no knowledge as to my real ident.i.ty. The probability was that after an interview I would be released. But Grant would recognize me instantly, and he proposed searching the house, room by room, seeking this man Eric. I must make my escape first. Yet how could this be accomplished? I heard Peter pa.s.s along the hall, and solemnly announce the serving of breakfast. He and Grant exchanged a few sentences, and then the latter strode to the front door, where he gave orders to the men. I watched the German officers come up the steps, while the majority of the others, forming into irregular line, marched around the corner of the house. A small squad remained, however, on guard, facing the front entrance.
<script>