"He gave the password, or whatever you may call it, and it could have been known only to persons devoted to our—our cause."
"I see. The treachery, therefore, had its inception in the loyal nest. You were betrayed by a friend."
"I am sure of it," she said bitterly. "If this man Sprouse does not succeed in restoring the—oh, I believe I shall kill myself, Mr. Barnes."
The wail of anguish in her voice went straight to his heart.
"He has succeeded, take my word for it. They will be in your hands before many hours have passed."
"Is he to come to the Tavern with them? Or am I to meet him—"
"Good Lord!" he gulped. Here was a contingency he had not considered. Where and when would Sprouse appear with his booty? "I—I fancy we'll find him waiting for us at the Tavern."
"But had you no understanding?"
"Er—tentatively." The perspiration started on his brow.
"They will guard the Tavern so closely that we will never be able to get away from the place," she said, and he detected a querulous note in her voice.