Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/101

 "But, sir" began Sally desperately, for the third time.

"Will ye be silent, mistress!" Stockton hurled the words at her and Sally gave up her attempt to tell them that Jerry had escaped from his captors.

A pointed silence then ensued. Finally Stockton moved restlessly. "Would ye consent to the maid being placed i' the stocks?" he asked, casting a shifty side glance upon the other.

Cunningham shook his head. "Captain Stockton, it seems not feasible to exhibit the girl in any public manner. General Howe will not permit it, I tell ye!"

"What would ye suggest, then?" snarled Stockton at last, glancing maliciously at Sally, who, white-cheeked and silent, now, from sheer horror, stood gazing helplessly at Cunningham and him.

Cunningham pondered. "The rebels must be taught a lesson; but not by maltreating this maid—publicly!" he said, emphasizing the last word of his sentence in a sinister fashion that made Sally's blood run cold.

Stockton looked at him quickly. "I understand," he said then, with a cruel smile. "The rebels will be notified; but New York Town will know—nothing. Is that it, sir?"

"Exactly." Cunningham waved his hand negligently and stifled a yawn. "Ho, there, guard!"