“In addition to your present interest in this movement, I have news that ought to spur your men on to added effort; the dogs of Republicans have arrested and imprisoned an American young lady, who reached here on the Columba in company with Dr. Sorez. The latter, though formerly a loyal Republican, has for some reason been thought in league with us, though, as far as I know, he is not. But the girl is the victim of the arbitrary and unjust persecution which has always been meted out to foreigners.”
Wilson was left dumb for a moment. But his mind soon grasped the urgency of the situation. He placed his hand upon Danbury’s arm.
“Danbury,” he said quietly, “I’ve got to get to her.”
“You don’t mean to say that this is–––”
“The same one. Evidently Sorez has got her into trouble.”
“But this is serious––this imprisonment. The dungeons aren’t fit for a dog.”
“I know,” answered Wilson; “but we’ll get her out.”
“We can’t, until we batter down the old prison. They won’t let her out––not for us.”
“But why should they shut her up? What possible excuse can they have? It’s outrageous. If we can reach the authorities–––”