I hesitated a little, and then walked unnoticing past the door, but I could not refrain from giving her a look of understanding, to tell her that I had seen it but would save her father. Her eye glittered, whether with scorn I could not say.
"You are overlooking the alcove, Lieutenant Melville," she said.
I paused, astounded, and I looked reproachfully at her, but her expression did not change. Then I walked a little farther, as if I had not heard, and she repeated,—
"You are overlooking the alcove, Lieutenant Melville."
The others were at the far end of the cellar and could not hear her.
"Miss Desmond," I said, "I have more regard than you for your father's safety."
Her eyes flashed.
"Lieutenant Melville," she said, "I demand that you search the alcove."
I hesitated, murmuring that I did not think it worth while; no one could lie concealed in such a small, close place.
"I shall report you to the commander-in-chief himself unless you search it," she said, looking at me steadily.