We separated there, our work taking us in different directions. When we returned to the valley, which we had made a kind of headquarters, I heard him asking Whitestone about the Van Aukens.
“Tartars, both of ’em,” said the good sergeant; “if you go in there, leftenant, they’ll scold you till they take your face off.”
The look on Belt’s face was proof that not even Whitestone’s warning would deter him. At least it so seemed to me. In a half hour I found that I had judged aright. He told me he was not in a state of satisfaction about the house, and since the responsibility for it lay with him he proposed to make a search of it in person. He requested me to go with him.
“This seems to be the main entrance,” he said, leading the way to the portico, which faced the north, and looking about with very inquiring eyes. “Madame Van Auken and her daughter must be much frightened by the presence of troops, for I have not yet seen the face of either at door or window.”
He knocked loudly at the door with the hilt of his sword, and Kate appeared, very calm as usual. I made the introductions as politely as I was able.
“Lieutenant Belt is my senior, Miss Van Auken,” I said, “and therefore has superseded me in command of the guard at this point.”
“Then I trust that Lieutenant Belt will relax some of the rigors of the watch,” she said, “and not subject us to the great discomfort of repeated searches of our house.”
She turned her shoulder to me as if she would treat me with the greatest coldness. I understood her procedure, and marveled much at her presence of mind. It seemed to be successful too, for Belt smiled, and looked ironically at me, like one who rejoices in the mishap of his comrade.
She took us into the house, talking with much courtesy to Belt, and ignoring me in a manner that I did not altogether like, even with the knowledge that it was but assumption. She led us into the presence of madame, her mother, who looked much worn with care, though preserving a haughty demeanor. As usual, she complained that our visits were discourtesies, and Belt apologized in his best manner. Glad that the brunt did not now fall upon me, I deemed it best to keep silence, which I did in most complete manner.