rtifications, perhaps? But since when did army officers
afford the luxury of amanuenses in this simple republic? Does your
Vehmgerichte pay such extraordinary expenses? Does your carte
blanche run so far as that also?"

"You must not use such terms regarding the government of this
country," he protested. "Our administration does not suit me, but
it has pleased a majority of our people, else it would not be in
power, and it is no Vehmgerichte, The law of self preservation
obtains in this country as with all nations, even in Europe. But
we have planned no confiscation of your property, nor threatened
any forfeiture of your life."

"No, you have only taken away that which is dearer than anything
else, that which your government guarantees to every human being in
this country--liberty!"

"And even that unconstitutional point shall remain such no longer
than I can help, Madam. Do not make our journey longer by leaving
it more difficult. God knows, I am beset enough even as it is now.
But be sure our Vehmgerichte, as you are pleased to call it, shall
never, at least while I am its agent, condemn you to any situation
unsuited to a gentlewoman. A very high compliment has been paid
you in holding you dangerous because of your personal charm. It is
true, Madam, that is why you were put out of Washington--because
you were dangerous. They thought you could get the ear of any
man--make him divulge secrets which he ought to keep--if you just
asked him to do it--for the sake of Josephine St. Auban!" He
jerked out his sentences, as though habitual reticence and lack of
acquaintance with women left it difficult for him to speak, even
thus boldly.

"Oh, thank you, thank you!" She clapped her hands together,
mockingly.

"Before now, women less beautiful than you have robbed men of their
reason, have led them to do things fatal as open treason to their
country. These men were older than you or I. Perhaps, as you
will agree, they were better able to weigh the consequences. You
are younger than they, younger than I, myself; but you are
charming--and you are young. Call it cruel of me, if you like, to
take you by the hand and lead you gently away from that sort of
danger for just a few days. Call me jailer, if you like. None the
less it is my duty, and I shall call it in part a kindness to you
to take you away from scenes which might on both sides be
dangerous. Some of the oldest and best minds of this country have