“Being short-handed,” apologized the old merchant, “I must do duty myself.” Then to George: “I sent most of my servants away yesterday.”
When he had again left them, George turned upon the officers.
“What other reason did you have?”
“What other was needed? Could anything have spoken more eloquently?” demanded Major Hyde.
“Oh, yes. General Putnam might have done so.”
At this the young New Englander saw the two men dart looks of covert meaning at each other. But he did not wait for either of them to reply.
“Another question,” said he, evenly. “May I ask how you came to be so familiar with what we might call the real results of my work?”
There was scarcely perceptible hesitation, then Major Hyde answered:
“Is it not possible that there are others beside yourself who have means of gaining secret information?”
“Let us grant that.” George spoke very coolly. “And then let us come to a more important thing. If you know of this person whom I have, as you say, failed to report, why have you waited for me? Why have you not reported him yourself?”