A moment later, the young girl, smiling, stood before them.
“Miss Beulow,” said the captain, “I have an unpleasant duty to perform. You are accused of being a German spy!”
The girl staggered back.
“Who makes this absurd charge?” she demanded, after she had to some degree regained her composure.
Lieutenant Taylor stepped forward.
“I do, at Lord Hastings’ command,” he replied.
The girl stared at him with the greatest contempt. Then she turned to the captain.
“I am innocent of this charge,” she said; “but this man,” and she pointed an accusing finger at the lieutenant, “I know to be a spy. He is accusing me to save himself.”
Lieutenant Taylor smiled sneeringly.
“A very natural reply,” he said. “Captain, she was seen to put the message I spoke of in her purse. Perhaps she still has it there. Will you see for yourself?”