“That is sheer nonsense, sir!” fumes Colonel Arnold. “Why should he not be found? He is somewhere about camp. Fetch him instantly!”
When the sentinel again departs, the priest frees his face of the obscuring hood.
“Your sentinel is right,” he says. “Captain Burr is not at his quarters.”
Colonel Arnold stares in amazement; the priest is none other than our “gentleman volunteer.” Perceiving Colonel Arnold gazing in curious wonder at his clerkly frock, young Aaron explains.
“I got it five days back, at that monastery we passed. You recall how I dined there with the Brothers. I thought then that just such a peaceful coat as this might find a use.”
“Marvelous!” exclaims Colonel Arnold. “And you speak French, too?”
“French and Latin. I have, you see, the verbal as well as outward furnishings of a priest of these parts.”
“And you think you can reach Montgomery? I have to warn you, sir, that the work will be extremely delicate and the danger great.”
“I shall be equal to the work. As for the peril, if I feared it I should not be here.”
It is arranged; and young Aaron explains that he is prepared, indeed, prefers, to start at once. Moreover, he counsels secrecy.