At this moment Major Pitcairn reëntered and the governor turned to him.
“Pitcairn, see to it that parties are set to guard all the roads. No one is to leave the city.”
“Have you learned anything?” asked the major, with a quick look at Nat.
“No. But our young rebel here has set me thinking that our plan may not be so secret as we think.”
Once more Pitcairn disappeared. As he did so, Lieutenant Chesbrook stepped forward and saluted.
“General,” said he, “if I may be permitted to do so, I’d like to offer a suggestion.”
Gage glanced at him inquiringly. There was something in the set of the thin lips and the expression in the cold, light-colored eyes that gave the impression that Chesbrook’s suggestion might have value.
“I shall be happy to listen to you,” answered the soldier readily.
Lieutenant Chesbrook bowed his thanks. With his finger-tips on the edge of the table he said:
“Some time ago I was detailed by the admiral for shore duty—of a certain kind.”