“Boys, that man is a Freemason. So am I. They may do what they will to me, but I cannot see this work go on. I am bound by an oath that I cannot break to harm no one of the fraternity. Some one else must finish this work. For the present I order him to the guard-house. See that he does not escape. I will report to headquarters.”
With a few passes made to the captive scout, which the others of course did not understand, he wheeled and started for the colonel’s tent.
It would be difficult to describe Captain Morland’s feeling as he presented himself to his superior.
“What, have you got over with it as soon as this, captain? I think you have outdone yourself this time.”
“And you will have great reason for thinking so, Colonel Markham, when I ask to be released from this work, as I do.”
“Wish to be released from the work?” exclaimed the other. “I never knew you to shirk from a duty before, Captain Morland. It was for that very reason I selected you of all others.”
“Thank you, colonel, but for once I must prove faithless to your trust, even though I lose my commission by it. I am sorry it has happened.”
“Explain yourself,” was the impatient rejoinder.
“The prisoner is a Freemason and so am I. My oath forbids——”
“Oh! ho! so that is it. I see—I see!” exclaimed the astonished colonel. “We can make that all right, captain. I feared it was something else.”