“What!” exclaimed Mrs. Varney, in a great outburst of indignation. “How dare you!”
“We had him in a trap, under arrest, the telegraph under guard, when she brought in that commission. We would have shot him in a moment, but they took me prisoner and let him go.”
“Impossible!” whispered Mrs. Varney. “You don’t mean——”
“Yes, she did. She put the game in his hands. He got control of the wires and the despatch went through. As soon as I could get to headquarters I explained, and they saw the trick. They rushed the guard back, but the scoundrel had got away. Foray was gone, too, and Allison knew nothing about it, but we’re after him, and if she knows where he is,” he turned as if to leave the room and ascend the stairs, “I will get it out of her.”
“You don’t suppose that my daughter would——” began Mrs. Varney.
“I suppose everything.”
“I will not believe it,” persisted the mother.
“We can’t wait for what you believe,” said Arrelsford roughly, this time taking a step toward the door.
Mrs. Varney caught him by the arm.
“Let me speak to her,” she pleaded.