Page:Milady at Arms (1937).pdf/176

 "Ye do lie!" said James hotly. "I heard ye, myself" He stopped and bit his lips, and the British officer glanced at him in unconcealed disgust.

"Aye," returned Sally, smiling, "I knew ye did hear me!"

"How knew ye?" His curiosity overcame his judgment and James glared at her.

"I saw ye—in your kitchen mirror—last night—eavesdropping!" said Sally. There was a little pause, then she added nonchalantly, turning back to her apples, "No use to seek her here, I tell ye! Neither your mother nor her friends be here!"

There was a little baffled silence. The two young men glanced around the quiet, empty, orderly kitchen. Even the fire was out and no sign was there of melting lead for bullets, to say nothing of a gathering of patriotic women, whom both James and the red-coat had expected to surprise at work. Finally, James glanced at the other.

"What would ye?" he asked sullenly.

"A fine help ye be to the King, sir," returned the young officer bitterly, evidently thinking of the long, supperless hours he had spent the preceding evening for nothing. "However, we will search the place!"

Twill do ye no good," interposed Sally hastily.

The red-coat turned and eyed her thoughtfully. "It doth seem to me, young mistress, ye appear too eager to be rid o' us!" he observed keenly.