Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/194

 178 sought protection until morning. How I chanced to be here you gentlemen both know, and that matter requires no explanation. Mr. Wyatt arrived with his clothing muddy, and soaked with rain. I gave him the only change to be found in the house—a uniform belonging originally to a cousin of mine, Lieutenant Anton Harwood, Third Kentucky Cavalry."

"But this is not the uniform worn by volunteer troops. Captain Whitlock, I insist—"

"Really, Lieutenant Raymond," the girl said, fronting him, her eyes sparkling, "this is becoming most tiresome. What do I care what uniform it is! I have told you where it came from, how it chanced to be there, and the reason it was worn by this man. I cannot be expected to know all the petty distinctions of the service."

"But surely," spoke up the captain, plainly bewildered, "the suit he wore when he came can be produced. You know where that is?"

"I know where it was," she answered coolly. "Hanging before the fireplace in the dining-room. However I cannot guarantee that it remains there now—this house has been gutted by Cowan's guerrillas, and, from the sound, your own men were none too careful."

Whitlock fiddled with the tassel of his sword,