I shall come for my answer in the morning."

A sergeant in field-grey with a rifle and fixed bayonet stood in the
doorway.

"I make you responsible for this man, Sergeant," said Clubfoot, "until I
return in an hour or so. Food will be sent up for him and you will
personally assure yourself that no message is conveyed to him by that or
any other means."

* * * * *

I had washed, I had brushed my clothes, I had dined, and I sat in
silence by the table, in the most utter dejection of spirit, I think,
into which it is possible for a man to fall. I was so totally crushed by
the disappointment of the evening that I don't think I pondered much
about my own fate at all. But my thoughts were busy with Monica. My life
was my own, and I knew I had a lien on my brother's if thereby our
mission might be carried through to the end. But had I the right to
sacrifice Monica?

And then the unexpected happened. The door opened, and she came in,
Schmalz behind her. He dismissed the sergeant with a word of caution to
see that the sentries round the house were vigilant, and followed the
man out, leaving Monica and me alone.

The girl stopped the torrent of self-reproach that rose to my lips with
a pretty gesture. She was pale, but she held her head as high as ever.

"Schmalz has given me five minutes alone with you, Des," she said, "to
plead with you for my life, that you may betray your trust. No, don't
speak ... there is no time to waste in words. I have a message for you
from Francis.... Yes, I have seen him here, this very night.... He says
you must contrive at all costs to keep Grundt from going to the shoot at
ten o'clock to-morrow, and to detain him with you from ten to twelve.
That is all I know about it.... But Francis has planned something, and
you and I have got to trust him. Now, listen ... I shall tell Clubfoot I
have pleaded with you and that you show signs of weakening. Say nothing
to-night, temporize with him when he comes for his answer in the
morning, and then send for him at a quarter to ten, when he will be
leaving the house with the others. The rest I leave to you. Good night,
Des, and cheer up!"...

"But, Monica," I cried, "what about you?"

She reddened deliciously under her pallor.

"Des," she replied happily, "we are allies now, we three. If all goes
well, I'm coming with you and Francis!"

With that she was gone. A few minutes after, a couple of soldiers
arrived with Schm