“What!” screamed General Burgoyne, and it was evident there was dismay in his tones. “St. Leger gone without any order from me? Without sending to me for a force sufficient to meet the rebels? Are you certain, sir, that you are telling me the truth?”
Ira flushed a trifle; but answered gravely:
“It is as I have said.”
For the third time the commander gazed fixedly at his visitor, and then remarked:
“I have a few questions to ask you, Master Le Geyt.”
With no little misgivings the lad replied simply: “Yes, sir.”
“Did you not tell me that you conducted the courier, George Preston, to Master James Graham’s in safety?”
Instantly the question was asked the lad knew that in some way the officer had obtained an inkling of his real character. There was nothing to do but brave it out, therefore he replied promptly: “No, sir.”
“What then did you tell me?” thundered the enraged officer.
“I reported that I had made the journey, and left the courier in safe hands.”