ere ever on a horse's back until
to-night. And those fellows with you are not Queen's Rangers, I'll
swear."

"How do you know, sir?" he interrupted gently. "Are you in the army,
sir?"

"Of course I am," I cried, answering without consideration.

"I thought so, sir; although your clothes do not proclaim the fact. May I
ask which army?"

He had turned the tables most neatly, and I glanced down over my rough
garments, awakening suddenly to the knowledge that I was also in
masquerade. To be sure I had one advantage--I knew these men had been
part of Delavan's foragers, and hence at heart must be loyalists.

"That is not a question I intend answering to every ruffian who stops me
on the highway," I returned shortly. "I wish to know what this outrage
means? I will know, you wooden-headed image! I was about my business when
the four of you attacked me. I wasn't the man you were after at all, and
yet I am held prisoner, shut up here behind iron bars. What is this
place, anyhow?"

"It is called 'Elmhurst,' sir."

"Elmhurst? A country estate?"

"Yes, sir, one of the old plantations."

"It's a name I never heard. Where is that precious lieutenant?"

"I presume he is in bed, sir," and Peter rose quietly to his feet, and
began replacing the dishes on his tray. Apparently there was not a
nervous throb to his pulse, and he remained blissfully indifferent to my
presence. I stared helplessly at him, even words failing me.

"You refuse to inform me as to the truth of this affair?" I faltered at
last, as he lifted his burden on one arm. He turned a stolid face my way.

"It would seem so, sir. I have to thank you for a most delightful
evening, sir. Your conversation has been both instructive and
entertaining. However, sir, the hour is now late, and I should advise
your retiring."

He bowed solemnly, backing toward the door, and I sprang to my feet,
overtaken by a sudden determination to make a break for freedom. There
was a slight glitter in Peter's gray eyes, as he rapped sharply with his
heel on the wood.

"I hardly think that would be advisable, sir," he warned softly. "The man
outside is armed, and in the excitement might hurt you."

There was a click of the lock, and the heavy door swung open. I stood
motionless, tempted to spring, yet not daring the venture. Peter backed
majestically out, and I caught a glimpse of the graybeard, and the black
outline of a pistol. Then the door closed, leaving me alone. The little