“I don’t understand this, but here is an order that has just come from the Secret Service Department directing me to hold up any despatch you may try to send.”
“Hold back my telegram?”
“Yes, Miss Mitford,” and Foray looked very embarrassed as he stared again at the order and then from the young girl to the orderly, “and that isn’t the worst of it.”
“What else is there!” asked the girl, her eyes big with apprehension.
“Why, this man has orders to take back your message with him to the Secret Service Office.”
“Take back my message!” cried Caroline.
“There must be some mistake,” answered Foray, “but that’s what the order says.”
“To whom does it say to take it back?” asked the girl, growing more and more indignant.
“To a Mr. Arrelsford.”
“Do you mean to tell me that that order is for that man to take my despatch back to Mr. Arrelsford?”