my
mind."
I went over the situation carefully, watching the effect of my words in
the man's face. He sat at the table now, leaning forward eagerly. Arnold
had the reputation of a gallant, and my first reference to a young lady
aroused him.
"The name, please--you mentioned no name."
"Claire Mortimer, sir."
"Ah! Ah! I remember her well. Danced with her myself. Now go on, sir; I
can appreciate the tale better from my recollection of the fair heroine."
I was not long at it, although he interrupted me occasionally by shrewd
questioning. As I concluded he kept silent a moment, looking at me from
under his heavy brows.
"It looks like rather a blind trail to me, Major," he said kindly, "but
I'm no spoil-sport in such an affair. You might have the luck to stumble
onto your party, and I'd take the chance myself if I were in your shoes.
You wish to start at sunset?"
"Yes, sir."
"You need horses, rations, and pistol ammunition for twelve men?"
"Yes, sir."
"Very well, Major, the quartermaster will attend these details. Go and
lie down. Washington may not approve, but I'll take the responsibility."
He extended his hand across the table, and I felt the firm clasp of his
fingers.
CHAPTER XXXI
I RUN ACROSS ERIC
I slept three hours, the dead sleep of sheer exhaustion, but felt
refreshed and strong when roughly aroused. Before sunset I was across the
river, where I found my little squad of Dragoons prepared for their
night's adventure. Arnold had kept his word, the fresh horses being fine
animals, the ammunition in excess of our needs. Conroy was enthusiastic,
and somewhat loquacious, but I cut his conversation off rather sharply,
and ordered the men into their saddles. With brain clarified by sleep I
realized the importance of the work before us, and how imperfect my plans
were. I could merely ride forth to Elmhurst, hoping to pick up some clew
to aid me. As we rode rapidly along the deserted road leading to Farrel's
I reviewed over and over again every remembered detail, only to conclude
that I must get hands on Grant, and by threats, or any other available
means, compel him to confess his part in the villainy. Dusk settled about
us, succeeded by night, as we pressed steadily forward, the men riding
silently, the only sound the thud of hoofs, and the slight jingle of
accoutrements. As we passed the black walls of Farrell's shop, I recalled
the papers found in Grant's coat, and the reference in Fa
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