"I trust that I shall never again be sent on such an errand," I said to Miss Desmond as we prepared to go.
She made the formal reply that she hoped so too, and I could read nothing in her eyes. I was sure now that she had never known of Alloway's presence in the house. Then I took my soldiers and went into the street.
Chapter Thirteen—Hessian Wrath
There was a narrow lawn in front of Mr. Desmond's house, and between that and the street an ornate iron fence. As I opened the gate that permitted egress, I saw Belfort and Schwarzfelder leaning upon the fence, while Waters hovered near. The two officers were twirling their mustaches after the most approved style of Old World dandies, and were looking at me in a manner that I could interpret only as insolent. I inferred at once that they and the Frenchman Waters were responsible for the search, and had gone there to enjoy a triumph containing the sweetest of flavor, my exposure and disgrace compelled by my own act. I became sure of it when I saw the look of triumph on the faces of Belfort and Schwarzfelder give way to one of surprise and disappointment.
"Where is your prisoner, Lieutenant Melville?" exclaimed Belfort, unable to control himself.
I gave him a stare as haughty as I knew how to make it.
"Did I understand you to ask where my prisoner was, Lieutenant Belfort?" I asked.
Both he and Schwarzfelder nodded.