der, and under what charge?" asked Goddard hotly, stepping
in front of the two indignant women.

"Are you Major Goddard, of the --th United States cavalry?" demanded
the younger officer.

"I am."

"General Stevenson received orders by telegraph from Washington to
detain these ladies here on their arrival. I do not know the charge,
Major," replied the lieutenant courteously.

"How long do you propose keeping us here?" asked Nancy, slowly
recovering from her astonishment.

"Until further orders are received from Washington."

"I haven't the faintest intention of staying here," announced Miss
Metoaca, with rising indignation. "We have passes from President
Lincoln to go to Winchester, and to Winchester I am going."

The lieutenant shook his head. "These orders supersede your passes. You
will both have to come with me."

"Indeed?" Miss Metoaca settled herself comfortably in her seat. "Then,
young man, you will have the pleasure of carrying me; for I do not
intend to walk out of this car until I reach my proper destination."

The lieutenant was equal to the occasion. "Go forward, conductor," he
ordered, "and tell the engineer to back this car on a siding in the
yard, then uncouple it from the train. Sergeant, conduct these
passengers," indicating the men who had gathered about them, "into the
next car."

"Wait," called Nancy, and the conductor stopped. "I am sure this
extraordinary order can be satisfactorily explained; so let us go
quietly with this officer, Aunt Metoaca. We must be dignified under our
arrest."

"Dignity? Who cares about dignity when one's personal liberty is in
question? I decline to leave this seat."

Nancy bent and whispered rapidly in her aunt's ear. At first her
communication was not taken in good part; then the spinster's face
cleared, and she rose.

"I will come with you," she volunteered graciously. "Go on ahead,
Lieutenant."

Bewildered by her sudden change of front, the young officer led the way
to the door, followed by both women, Goddard, and the sergeant. As Miss
Metoaca stepped from the car the guard closed round them. The conductor
deposited their hand luggage on the platform. "All aboard!" he shouted;
then signaled to his engineer, and with a rattle and roar the belated
train thundered out of the station.

"Where do you propose taking these ladies?" demanded Goddard.

"To the waiting room. They are to be detained here under guard until an
officer arrives from Washington