Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/267

 Rh perhaps you might prefer to make the trial alone. Draw the cap visor lower down over your eyes—we may meet with someone who saw you brought in as a prisoner. That is better; now we will chat as we go about—about—West Point. Do you remember, Lieutenant, that last cadet dance? how beautifully the moon reflected on the Hudson? Why, that was the night when I first met you wasn't it? I believe I like the cadet gray better than the blue. Captain Fox tells me—"

We turned the corner into the wide entrance hall, strolling slowly side by side, her face turned upward to mine. Apparently my eyes were upon her, and I made some inane response to her words, yet I saw the sentries at the door come stiffly to attention, and then cross their musket barrels to bar our exit. I halted as though in surprise.

"Are there any new orders?" I asked in tone of authority. "You remember passing us in, do you not?"

"We passed the lady, sir," the older man answered respectfully, "but no officer."

"Ah, yes, I see; you are not the same men who were on guard when I arrived. I am Lieutenant Mann, of General Ramsay's staff, and have been with Colonel Pickney. The lady will vouch for me."