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 this amazing enemy baffled and fuming across the Delaware River.

Now they gave up their swords meekly and wordlessly and went to stand in a forlorn company at one end of the parlors, as Von Garten directed, with the Americans forming guard upon each side of them.

Some of the fat German fraus wept, but silently, as though they realized that they had been definitely outwitted. It was only when Hawtree appeared on the dining-room threshold and stared in amazement that any commotion was created. He caught one glimpse of the grim-faced young commander and pointed a shaking finger at him.

"You traitor!" he hissed. "You traitor, Von Garten!"

The other looked at him contemptuously.

"I never pleaded allegiance to your flag," he answered coolly. "And I never—tortured an innocent girl!"

Mehitable started as much as Hawtree who, when his eyes fell upon her, uttered an exclamation.

"You!" he cried hoarsely.

But Von Garten strode toward him and pushed him into the line of prisoners. "Enough!" he ordered. And Hawtree relapsed into fuming, furious silence, though Mehitable shuddered at the terrible looks he cast at her and the young man.

As the guard and their prisoners were moving toward the doorway there was a sound of a loud crash from the dining room. Presently a soldier came dragging in a limp, miserable figure and threw it down with a thud before Von Garten.