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 ye suggest?" demanded Marshal Cunningham.

The other cleared his throat. "I would suggest that the lass be held pending the release o' Lawrence by the rebels. And should they not release him, that the maid be punished for their misdeeds—and her own—and the rebels told o't," answered Stockton smoothly. "Mayhap a few months i' the Long Room might teach her not to interfere wi' a British soldier and officer i' the pursuit o' his duty. There be other means also."

"But" said Sally.

"Silence!" thundered Stockton.

"But Lieutenant Lawrence" began Sally again. She shrank back at the threatening gesture Stockton made toward her.

All this time Cunningham was staring out of the window at the stretch of green before the New Gaol, where the Sons of Liberty had erected their liberty poles as fast as he had torn them down. He scowled, suddenly remembering the wound he had suffered there, when he had vowed to make every rebel pay for it.

"And your punishment for the maid, Captain Stockton?" he asked coldly.

"That the girl be branded on the arm!"