“Before you go I want to ask your advice about something.”
“My advice!”
“Yes, it seems to be a military matter, and——”
“What is it?” asked Thorne, turning back.
“What do you think this means?” said the girl, handing him the folded despatch.
She had intended to look him full in the face as he took it, but at the last moment her courage failed her. She looked away and did not see the instant but quickly mastered start of surprise. She was only conscious that Thorne had possessed himself of the document.
“What is it?” asked Thorne, holding it in his hand.
“That is what I want you to tell me,” said the girl.
“Oh, don’t you know?” said Thorne, now entirely master of himself.
“No,” answered the girl, but there was something in her voice which now fully aroused the suspicions of the man.