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 fingers still poking at the blood-stained bandages binding Master Jones's thigh. The sufferer opened his eyes.

"Ye feel like a surgeon, sir," he whispered.

"Dost know the touch, eh?" Tolliver was pleased. Then he straightened himself. "With quick work here, young mistress, we may wash and dress this man's wounds before Jaffray's return!"

"But you, a Tory, to help us thus!" Mehitable gasped.

"Nay, stare not so," admonished Tolliver. With deft fingers he was already ripping the cloths from about the wound. "Sometimes one can serve one's country best by appearing traitor to her!"

They had no sooner gotten through their hurried task than Tolliver bent his head to listen intently. He shoved the basin of warm water and the roll of bandages he had been using into a corner then.

Mehitable and her father, who had heard nothing, looked at him doubtfully; but it was not long before they too heard the clamor Sturgins was making as he and Jaffray approached. The girl looked at her host admiringly.

"I vow, sir, ye have ears like an Indian's!" she exclaimed.

But as she gazed at him, Tolliver's expression changed suddenly and horribly. Even as she looked, the kindly smile faded from his thin face and a ferocious, cruel look took its place. She gaped at him in horror until the sound of an opening door gave her the clue and she realized that Tolliver's expression was a mask for Jaffray's benefit.