infatuation for that rebel spy"--Goddard winced perceptibly,
and his color heightened--"blinds your judgment. I give you fair
warning, sir, that if you interfere in any way in this affair you will
be placed in close arrest."

Without a word Goddard turned on his heel and walked to the further end
of the platform. Lloyd returned to the car, and joined two women who
stood waiting patiently by its side.

"This way, Miss Watt," and followed by both women he led the way to the
waiting room. Lieutenant Field threw open the door.

"Captain Lloyd," he announced.

Miss Metoaca's busy fingers stopped and she surveyed the newcomer from
head to foot, but Nancy never turned in his direction.

"What do you want?" inquired Miss Metoaca, seeing that neither of them
spoke.

"The copy of the despatch from the adjutant general's office dropped by
Colonel Mitchell last night."

"Haven't such a thing. Wouldn't know it if I saw it," snapped Miss
Metoaca.

"Symonds, you and the sergeant can step outside." Lloyd waited until
they were well out of hearing. "Miss Newton," turning directly to
Nancy, "you and I have met before."

Nancy raised her head and glanced closely at him. "Oh, yes," she said.
"I believe I have seen you once or twice."

"Twice?" Lloyd laughed. "I have a better memory than you. How about the
27th of December?"

Nancy looked at him in genuine surprise. "You speak in riddles," she
said disdainfully.

"I think you can solve this one," he touched the scar on his temple.
"The blow from your revolver kept me in the hospital for some time."

"Is the man crazy?" Miss Metoaca straightened indignantly in her chair.
"My niece does not go around knocking men on the head, though she has
broken some hearts."

"Come, Miss Newton, evasion will not help you," said Lloyd impatiently,
paying no attention to Miss Metoaca's remark. "I know you are a rebel
spy..."

"Do you know the meaning of the word 'spy'?" inquired Nancy hotly.

"Perfectly," briefly. "I have wasted quite enough time. Give me that
despatch!"

"What despatch?"

Lloyd lost all patience. "Once for all, do you intend to give me that
despatch, or not?"

Nancy shrugged her shoulders. "It is impossible to give what we do not
possess."

Lloyd strode to the door and beckoned to the two women standing in the
hall.

"Search these ladies," he directed, pointing to Miss Metoaca and Nancy,
"and see that you search them thoroughly. I am positive the older lady
i