ne into history----"

He was interrupted by a sharp sound, as if some one had stepped upon a
branch or a twig, causing it to snap beneath his feet. On the instant,
Anderson was upon his feet, his hand feeling instinctively for his
pistol.

"We are betrayed," he whispered. "There is a spy here."

All had arisen in silence and were peering into the blackness of the
night whence the sound apparently came. Anderson thought he saw a figure
emerge from behind a tree far off in the distance and he immediately
gave chase, opening fire as he did so. Several times he fired into the
dark space before him, for it was bristling with shade, notwithstanding
the obscure light of the moon. As he covered the wide area between him
and the river, the lithe form of a man emerged from the wooded area and
disappeared down the incline which led to the water. Nearing the bank he
heard distinctly the splash of the body and he fired again into the spot
whence the noise arose. The waters were still in commotion when he
reached them, but there was no one to be found; nothing save the gentle
undulation of the surface as it closed over its burden, and gradually
became placid under the soft stillness of the night. After several
minutes of intense vigilance, he slowly retraced his steps.

III

"The river has swallowed him," he exclaimed as he neared Arnold and
Peggy, who were standing quite motionless at the side of the settees.

"Who was it?" the General asked eagerly.

"I did not see him. He disappeared into the river. I heard the splash of
his dive and fired several times in its direction, but saw no one."

"Did he swim it?"

"No! I would have seen him. The water was unruffled except for the
disturbance caused by his dive. The poor devil must have sunk to the
bottom. Perhaps one of my shots took effect."

"I don't like this," muttered Arnold. "I would not have that
conversation overheard for the crown of England. An enemy was near. I
hope to God he is in the bottom of the river."

"Still, I may have hit him. I was no more than fifty yards away."

"I shall have the bed dragged in the morning. I could not rest without
finding him. His identity must be learned."

Leaving the settees, they set off in the direction of the house,
entering by the rear door. The servants were already in alarm over the
shooting and were standing in a group behind the threshold motionless
with awe. Peggy paused to assure them of their safety, narrating briefl