“He was a visitor at her house and I wanted her to know.”
“Where is she now? Where is Miss Varney?” asked Randolph impatiently.
“She must be out there on the balcony,” answered Arrelsford. “I beg you to send for her, sir.”
“Sergeant,” said General Randolph, “step out on the balcony. Present my compliments to Miss Varney, and ask her to come in at once.”
In a moment the Sergeant returned.
“There is no one there, sir,” he replied saluting.
At that instant Thorne got the long desired signal. Without a moment’s hesitation, he turned to the key. He picked up the despatch with his wounded left hand and with the other began to manipulate the sounder.
“She must be there,” said Arrelsford, “or else she’s stepped into the next room, the Commissary General’s Office, the window was open, tell him to—ah!” as the sound of the clicking caught his ear, “Stop him! He is sending it now!”
Mr. Arrelsford’s distress was so overwhelming and so genuine that something of the man’s suspicion was communicated to the General.
“One moment, Captain,” he said.