The young man's face had twitched, no doubt, in the most singular manner at mention of the words "suspicious characters;" and now, as he bent down to his companion, the corners of his mouth worked quite perceptibly.
"Why do you not clear up the matter?" asked his friend, in a low beseeching tone.
"Because it amuses me," was the reply, returned in a voice as low.
"No whispering here," interrupted the Assessor. "No fresh conspiring in my very presence--that I forbid. Once again, your name! Will you give me an answer?"
"Yes, we will," said the younger stranger, drawing himself up. "So you look upon us as conspirators?"
"And traitors to the State," added Hubert, emphatically.
"And traitors to the State. Of course--that is the usual complement."
The Assessor stood petrified at such audacity.
"I call upon you for the last time to give me your names and deliver up your papers," he cried. "You refuse to do either?"
The stranger sat down unconcernedly on the arm of the chair, and crossed his arms.