ill not protect her when the passions of men are roused.
Do you suppose that a suspected spy will not be an object of hatred in
these days?"

Miss Metoaca nodded sullenly in agreement. She knew the opprobrium and
scorn which were heaped on rebel sympathizers in Baltimore and
Washington, and realized the justice of Warren's comment.

"This is not the day of miracles," continued the senator, "and it is
stretching probability to the breaking point to believe that Lloyd died
from natural causes at the very moment when his death would be of
benefit to Nancy. In addition to this, there is the disappearance of
that important despatch."

Miss Metoaca made no remark, so Warren resumed his argument.

"The first and most important thing in solving a murder mystery is to
find a _motive_ for the crime. When that is once established, the means
are easy to prove. The thing that will militate the most against Nancy
is the _timeliness_ of Captain Lloyd's death.

"The military commission will undoubtedly believe that Nancy, realizing
that Lloyd could prove she was a rebel spy, resorted to murder to
silence the one man whose evidence would hang her. I fear, I greatly
fear, Nancy will have a hard time convincing the commission that, if
not actually the criminal, she did not connive at Captain Lloyd's
death."

"It is an outrage!" fumed Miss Metoaca. "I am willing to stake my
immortal soul that Nancy had nothing to do with the captain's
mysterious death, nor with the disappearance of that miserable
despatch."

"My wife and I also believe in Nancy's innocence," declared Warren
warmly; "and I give you my solemn word of honor, Miss Metoaca, that I
will do everything within my power to assist her."

"God forever bless you!" Miss Metoaca leaned forward, and impulsively
clasped his hand in both of hers. "You give me renewed courage. Tell
me," as Warren's eyes strayed to the clock on the mantel, "have you
heard how Major Goddard is getting on?"

"I stopped at Mrs. Lane's this morning, but the corporal of the provost
marshal's guard stationed about the house refused to admit me.
Fortunately I met Doctor Ward on his way out from seeing Goddard, and
he told me that the major had regained consciousness, but was very weak
and unable to talk. I drove at once to the Old Capitol Prison, and
induced Wood to promise to tell Nancy that Major Goddard was
recovering. I hope the message gave her some comfort, poor girl!"

"Senator," Miss Metoaca low