phia 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 ragamuffins has done us greater harm. Again and again he has
learned our secrets and brought Washington 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."

"Damn 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 gods, 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