His hand was already upon the bell, but Tom stopped him.
“One moment,” said he. “The name of this person, if you please.”
The other three looked at him in surprise.
“I had thought that no names were to be mentioned at this stage of the proceedings.”
“THIS GENTLEMAN,” SAID CORNWALLIS,
“WILL INTRODUCE YOU”
Tom saw that he had gone a little too far; but he feared possible recognition, and it might chance that the man whom the British commander was about to call in, would know him; so he continued, boldly:
“Safety is the first thing to be looked after. I must demand the name of this person, before you admit him.”
“Surely you can suspect no one in Charleston,” said Cornwallis in surprise.
Tom determined upon a shrewd stroke.