But she did not answer in words; between her fingers he saw the crumpled scrawl of the Tory, Slade; and as she held it up, it replied eloquently.
He followed her. The men and women about the table were eagerly absorbed in the game; the room was hot, and crowded with onlookers. As the girl paused beside Colonel Rahl, several players lifted their heads surprisedly; the idlers as though they felt that something was about to occur came a step nearer to the Hessian leader’s table.
“Colonel Rahl,” said the girl.
The man turned his flushed face toward her. She held out the paper.
“A message,” she said. “Your sergeant brought it.”
“Ah, yes; I will see to it.”
He took the note and stuffed it feverishly into his breast pocket, never once looking at it; then he gave his attention once more to the game.
George noted that the candles were beginning to grow dim; and this told him that dawn was at hand. Above the blare of the brass throated instruments he fancied more than once that he caught the scattering discharge of small arms. At length, unable to stand the suspense, he turned to leave the room; and as he did so, came face to face with Major Hyde. A sarcastic smile lit the man’s cold eyes.
“It is something of a surprise,” said he. “But, nevertheless, I am very glad to see you.” Then in a loud tone he added: “Colonel Rahl, if you will summon the guard, I’ll give this spy in charge.”
“Spy!” Men and women sprang to their feet; swords were drawn, chairs were overturned. With a swift look over his shoulder George saw Peggy’s face whiten; then like a panther he sprang upon Hyde. Down went the man as though stricken by a thunderbolt; over his body leaped the young New Englander. As he did so the outer door was flung open and the fat sergeant bounced into the inn.