Marbury listened, in impassive silence. The change of name did not affect him; he knew of another such, much closer home. But the stealing of another's identity, and the presentation of his letters, were serious matters to the Colonists, and, he admitted, any one who was guilty ought to be exposed.
"I was sure you would see it as we do, Mr. Marbury, when you knew everything!" said the Governor.
"Yes—the theft from me—if he were the thief—was solely, my affair," was the reply; "this, however, concerns us all. If the one fit into the other, I shall bear my part."
The Governor struck a bell; the orderly, on duty, entered.
"My compliments to Captain Herford," said the Colonel, "and say, I wish to see him."
The man saluted and withdrew. In a moment, Captain Herford entered.
"Captain Herford, you will say, to Sir Edward Parkington and to Sir Charles Brandon, that the Governor desires their attendance in the drawing-room. Then, station the guard outside the windows, with two just without the doors. You understand?"
Herford's heels came together, and his hand rose to his forehead.
"Yes, your Excellency!" he replied, with a surprised lift of the eye-brows toward Maynadier.