"Sir, you are monstrous impertinent!" she exclaimed. "How dare you suggest such a thing!"
"Because it occurred a quarter-hour past."
"And because you are assailed by some foot-pad in a disreputable part of the town, is that a reason for you to charge Master Murray with assassination!" she demanded with high contempt.
"Oh, I have proof," I said airily.
But my anger grew with hers. It maddened me that this girl, who I knew was honest, should be arrayed against me, should hold for me the contempt of a clean woman for a man she deemed a traitor.
"Look you, Mistress Murray," I went on haughtily. "The watch are now searching for your father's emissary. The garrison are to be turned out. Any moment Master Murray is like to receive a summons to go before the governor. He has overplayed his hand this time. He——"
The door behind her opened again, and Murray himself came out.
"I thought I heard voices—— Ah, Master Juggins——"
"Ormerod," I interrupted suavely.
His eyebrows expressed polite astonishment.