Part 30 (2/2)
”Perhaps he played a part--his ultimate purpose revenge.”
”It might be that--yes, it might be that, and--and the consummation of that revenge may account for all which has occurred. But I must go on with what I had to tell.”
I had forgotten the pa.s.sage of time, the men riding steadily in advance, constantly increasing their distance, even the possible importance of the despatch within my jacket pocket. The evident distress of the girl riding beside me, whose tale, I felt sure, would fully justify her strange masquerade in male garments, her risk of life and exposure to disgrace in midst of fighting armies, held me neglectful of all else. I realized that, whatever the cause, I had unconsciously become a part of its development, and that I was destined now to be even more deeply involved.
Whatever the mystery I must solve it for her sake. My hand again sought hers, holding it in firm clasp. There was a sound of hoofs on the dusty road behind us.
”It is Peter,” she whispered. ”What can have happened!”
The rider barely paused, turning his horse's head even as he spoke hastily.
”Captain Grant is with the ambulance, Mistress Claire,” he reported. ”He came up alone about five minutes ago.”
CHAPTER x.x.x
BEFORE GENERAL ARNOLD
I felt her hand withdrawn quickly, and the swift intake of her breath, yet there was no sharpness in the voice.
”Captain Grant, Peter? What can the man want here?”
”He claimed to be hunting deserters,” returned Swanson, as calmly deliberate of speech as ever. ”But that was false. He knew we were on the road, and asked for you.”
”For me? And you told him--”
”Merely that you rode ahead to see that the road was clear. Then I left at once, fearing he might join you.”
She sat a moment in silence, her head bowed; then looked across into my face.
”This arrival must end our conference, Major,” she said soberly. ”Captain Grant must not know that you are with me--that would mean fighting.”
”Surely you do not wish me to run away.”
”Yes, this time, for my sake as well as your own. If I could have completed my confession you would realize the necessity. However, the fact that you are the bearer of despatches should be sufficient; your duty to the Colonies is more important than any private quarrel. You will go?”
”Yes--but you? Are you safe with him?”
”Perfectly. I wish I might be clothed in my own proper dress, but with Peter and Tonepah on guard, Captain Grant alone is not dangerous. Besides I wish to learn his purpose in seeking to join us.” She hesitated. ”You must not fear for me, but--but I wish to tell you all, and--and I am sure I shall need your help.”
”You mean I am to join you again--at Elmhurst?”
”Is that asking too much?”
”Claire,” I whispered, bending toward her, so Peter could not overhear, ”nothing shall keep me from coming, dear. I will ride back the moment my despatches are in Arnold's hands. But tell me first, if you are not afraid of Grant yourself, what is it you need me for?”
”Eric,” she answered swiftly. ”He has disappeared, dead or deserted. Oh, I cannot believe the last is true. It was to save his reputation that I dressed in this uniform, performed the work a.s.signed him. I feel sure Grant knows where he is, what has become of him. I went to him in Philadelphia, but he only sneered, and said the boy had doubtless run away. I know better; that is not like a Mortimer. But I cannot search for him; I must stay with my father. But if I can only be a.s.sured you will come.”
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