c, a hot-headed boy,
struck him. Grant has never forgiven that blow, nor Eric's influence over
me. To the latter he attributes my dislike--yet this was not true; it was
because as I grew older I realized the ill character of the man."

She paused a moment, gathering the threads of thought more closely. I did
not speak, preferring she should tell the story in her own way.

"The two did not meet after that for many months. The Queen's Rangers, in
which regiment my father secured Grant a commission, were in New York,
while Eric was stationed up the river with Morgan's riflemen. When New
Jersey was invaded, both commands came south, and, because of Eric's
knowledge of this country, he was detailed as scout. This reckless life
was greatly to his liking; I saw him occasionally by appointment, usually
at Elmhurst, and became aware that his old quarrel with Captain Grant was
seemingly forgotten. There appeared to be some understanding, some
special connection between them. They met once, at least, and I delivered
one note between them."

"Perhaps I can explain that later," I interrupted, "from something
mentioned at Lee's headquarters."

"You! Oh, I wish you could, for their relationship has mystified me; has
made me afraid something might be wrong with--with Eric."

"I think not, dear; say rather with Grant."

"If that be so, then it may prove the key to all the mystery. What made
their intimacy so difficult to understand was that I knew the captain's
dislike of Eric had in no way diminished. He spoke of him as savagely as
ever."

"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 passage 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.