ain to parallel fences, and a well travelled road.
It was a turnpike, the dust so thick that it rose about us in clouds,
and, as we proceeded, we discovered many evidences along the way of a
passing army. I reined back my horse to speak with the non-commissioned
officer in charge of the escort, not entirely certain as to my
whereabouts.

"Do you know this country, sergeant?"

"A little, sir; we scouted through here last summer, but I'm not a Jersey
man."

"There have been troops marched along here by all the signs."

"Yes, sir," respectfully. "The Red-coats, probably on their way to
Monmouth; this is the Mount Holly pike."

As he spoke the map of the region unrolled before my memory. This was the
road running a mile, or so, to the west of Elmhurst. It led as straight
as any, toward Philadelphia, but whatever stragglers the British army had
left behind would be found along here. However, they would probably be
scattered fugitives, unwilling to interfere with as strong an armed party
as this of mine. If I was alone it would be safer to turn aside. Then, it
was a strong temptation to me to pass thus close to Elmhurst. It would be
after daylight when we reached there; I might even get a glimpse across
the apple orchard of the great white house. Would Claire be there? It
seemed to me quite probable, as Eric was taking the wounded Colonel home
for nursing. The girl's face rose before me against the black night, and
my heart beat fast. When I came back, I would ride to Elmhurst--surely
she would be there then.

The sergeant touched my arm.

"Pardon me, sir, but there are horsemen ahead."

"Indeed? I was lost in thought, Conroy. Coming this way?"

"No, sir, they seem to be travelling south slowly. I noticed them first
as we turned the corner back there; I could see outlines against the
sky."

"How large a party? They form merely a lumping shadow to my eyes."

"Not more than three or four, sir, with a covered rig of some kind.
They're halted, now; heard us coming, I reckon."

I could perceive the little group, but merely as a black smudge. Then a
mounted figure seemed to detach itself from the darkness, and advance
toward us.

"Halt your men, sergeant," I said quietly. "I'll ride forward and learn
what the fellow wants."

CHAPTER XXIX

THE ESCORT

The figure of the man approaching was hardly distinguishable, as he
appeared to be leaning well forward over the saddle pommel, yet my eyes
caught the gli