o sit idly by and see him
suffer and die, Lawrence Enderwood buried his face in his hands.

"General Howe well might know this be no place for women."

The gruff, surly tone of Cunningham was answered by one as sweet as
the note of a song bird.

"But, Captain, he surely might know it would be a better place for
human beings if it were."

Lawrence lifted his head and his eyes lighted, as well they might, for
the girl was a refreshing picture.

"You are right, Miss Danesford. General Howe not only might, he ought
to know about this villainous place."

"Ah, Mr. Enderwood--pardon, that epaulette declares you are a captain
and the red facings of your blue coat indicate that you lead
Virginians. Possibly, however, the Mister to you is of more value than
the title of captain, since your General Washington has made himself
famous with the British as a plain 'Mister.'"

"It must be very humiliating to their generals to be beaten by a plain
'Mister,' must it not? But I would not say unpleasant things, for
verily your visit is most welcome, whether you came to see me or
another."

"You, most assuredly. Colonel Brent was boasting yesterday of having
bagged a genuine militia captain from old Virginia, and, when he told
me your name, I did not thank him for his exploit."

"Believe me, I greatly appreciate your kindness. Perhaps, having been
so kind to a poor Virginia captain, you may come to speak of 'our'
Washington, for you are a daughter of Virginia."

Lisbeth appeared not to notice this allusion to her Tory principles,
and exclaimed, as she looked with evident disgust at the squalid
surroundings: "Why will men be so cruel to men? I will tell General
Howe some truths that will cause his ears to burn, and--"

"And shut the door against your return. You see I am selfish enough to
look for another visit, though this pestilent hole is no place for you
to visit. Howe will do nothing. When he was in command at New York our
men literally rotted in the foul prison hulks lying in the harbour. It
is a cheap and an easy way for killing us off."

"Now, no lectures, Captain Enderwood. Howe shall know of this, and I
believe will do something to improve it. Meanwhile, here is a little
basket of food cooked by our old Nancy. You always praised Nancy's
cooking when you came to 'The Hall' in the old days, so you are under
obligations to eat every crumb of it, even if it isn't as good as the
prison fare."

"Good as the prison fare!