Adventure Magazine Cover — page 100: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

i gO @ prison-ship. If you keep clear and use your influence they won’t be very harsh with your nephew.” This seemed to comfort him and the hand on my shoulder ceased its trembling and patted me more confidently. “There’s sense in that,’ he muttered. “But the thought of you believing I was thinking of myself! There; there! That's done with. We must work. Ill lose no time in burying my hard money in the ¢ellar. Money can make many a fist open into a soft hand. It all happened at the wrong time. His lordship is in a furious humor—all on account of Lieutenant Drance.”’ “Drance?” I repeated, the name being new to me. “They think the rebels have caught him. He was to bring dispatches from Ninety- six— He reported there from Savannah. His lordship sent for him to report here and give a detailed account of how affairs are in Savannah. His disappearance makes the whole nest of them very peppery. Tl begin hiding my money right away. Thank God they can’t take my lands from me!” “Not unless the king wins.”’ “Besides David Macson only the Al- mighty has any title to those lands,” he muttered. “But how I talk! T’m a good Tory. They won’t disturb -my titles. Still, Pll hide my money.” “We're losing too much time. Light the candles and write a note to the major of the town, informing him of my return,” I said. “My young nephew! turn informer!”’ “But they already know I’m here. They’ll get me anyway. It’ll put you in a good light. It'll leave you strong to help me. Write the message to Major Fraser at once.” . “I hate to do it, lad,” he groaned. “It’s like betraying you even if we both plan it as a game.” From up the street came a shuffling sound like the sound of feet treading the thick sand in unison. ‘“‘A light in your office at once!’’ I urged. “They’re coming.” | “But you can take the side door “Charleston is sealed. ‘To try to escape would be a confession of guilt. They can do me no harm. The light and the note to Major Fraser!” I pushed him into the small room he used Curse me if I ’ Adventure. for transacting business affairs and lighted: a candle and rang for a boy. . Then thrust- ing quill and paper before him, I dictated: “To Major C. FRASER, major of the town. “T desire to inform you that my nephew, James Lance, about whom inquiries have been made re- cently, has but just returned and is now at my house, and that ; (2) shuffling of men’s feet under the NO) windows caused my uncle to drop the quill. ‘Open in the king’s name:””’ called a voice; and we knew the house was surrounded. Pressing my uncle back in the chair, I ran to the door and threw it open. Young Captain Posby, adjutant of the town, entered, followed by a file of soldiers. We knew each other well and esteemed each other highly, and I always had held him as a man of the most fastidious honor. = raw business, Mr. Lance,” he be- gan. “But as town adjutant, —— take the job that puts me in such a cursed posi- tion— You men wait outside.” The soldiers retired, and with a deep groan Captain Posby said, “ catch me, Jim, but why did you have to make a mess of it? And you were coming along so well at billiards!” “T’ve made no mess of it, captain. When you know the truth you'll find I’ve done nothing that a man of honor could avoid doing.” : “Bleed me white! I don’t need to be told that. But men of honor at times have to do things that most horribly stir up his lordship. He’s ferocious enough to eat raw meat! The question will be—did you do anything that’s amiss for a good Tory to do?”’ “That depends upon who’s the judge. Captain Posby most certainly would ex- onerate me.”’ ‘‘___! Hfe does that much already. Such a pretty stroke in nursing the balls. Why, man, if the war could only last another two years it would be hard to find your equal at billiards!’ Another deep sigh and he was forcing himself back into his official self and stiffly saying: “Tt’s not for me to play at inquisitions. David Macson, I make you my compli- ments and most ——ably wish I didn’t have to be here tonight.” __ The last as Uncle David came from his A SUMMONS at the door and the Comicbook CO