and will be responsible for his safe return."

The man looked after us doubtfully, yet permitted us to pass beyond the
guard-lines. There was a stump beside the ford, barely within the flicker
of the distant fire, and there I stopped, leaning against my horse, and
turned so as to look into the man's face.

"Well, Grant," I said, rather sternly. "We are alone now; what is it?"

He cleared his throat, evidently uncertain how best to express himself.

"Why did you ask so many questions about Delavan's lieutenant?" he began
sullenly. "What were you trying to find out?"

CHAPTER XII

A CAPTURE

What was the matter with the fellow? Could he have sent for me merely to
ask that question, insisting on privacy? There must surely be some hidden
purpose behind this. Yet if so, there was no betrayal in the man's face.
His eyes had an angry gleam in them, and his words were shot at me in
deadly earnest.

"The lieutenant?" I repeated, not prepared for a direct reply. "Why, I
hardly know--curiosity largely."

He stared at me in manifest unbelief.

"What do you expect to gain by lying?" he exclaimed sullenly. "You saw
him, no doubt, or you would not have asked what you did."

"Certainly I saw him," more deeply puzzled than before at his insistence.
"That was what aroused my interest. He seemed such a mere lad as he rode
past, and later I heard his voice, the voice of a boy."

"Was that all?"

"All! What else could you suppose? It was dark, only a little gleam of
moon revealed outlines. I couldn't distinguish the face, but when he
failed to appear after the fight I remembered him, and was afraid he had
been hurt. Now I want to know what you mean. Who was the lad?"

He had seated himself on the stump, and was leaning forward, his face
hidden from the light of the fire.

"Well, go on then," he returned finally. "If that's all you saw of him
it's all right."

"No, it's not all right," I insisted, aroused by his peculiar actions.
"What is all this mystery about? You told me you didn't know the man."

"I said I hadn't seen him; that we joined Delavan after dark," he
corrected sharply. "But you needn't try to interview me, Major Lawrence,"
stiffening with anger, "for I haven't anything to say to a spy and leader
of guerillas."

"You requested this interview; however, if you are satisfied I am, and
you can return to your men. Shall I call the guard?"

He hesitated a moment, but whatever it was which had first insp