“No’m,” answered Martha, “Ah’ll take ca’ ob huh.”
As soon as she had left the room, passing between the two soldiers, Arrelsford took up the conversation. He spoke quickly and in a sharp voice. He was evidently greatly excited.
“What is she going to do at the telegraph office?” he asked.
“I have no idea,” answered the woman.
“Has she had any conversation with him?” said Arrelsford, pointing to the front of the house.
“They were talking together in this room early this evening before you came the first time, but it isn’t possible she could——”
“Anything is possible,” snapped Arrelsford impatiently. He was evidently determined to suspect everybody, and leave no stone unturned to prevent the failure of his plans. “Corporal,” he cried, “have Eddinger follow that girl. He must get to the telegraph office as soon as she does, and don’t let any despatch she tries to send get out before I see it. Let her give it in, but hold it. Make no mistake about that. Get an order from the department for you to bring it to me.” As the Corporal saluted and turned away to give the order, Arrelsford faced Mrs. Varney again. “Are they both out there?”
“Yes,” answered the woman. “Did you bring the man from Libby Prison?”
“I did, the guards have him out in the street on the other side of the house. When we get Thorne in here alone I’ll have him brought over to that back window and shoved into the room.”
“And where shall I stay?”