“Will thee let us see him, John?”
“Certainly. We are not very rigid. We keep a strict guard to prevent escape, but otherwise we give the prisoners many privileges. I will speak to your mother now, and Harriet.”
A cloud came to Robert Dale’s brow as he heard Mrs. Owen say:
“John, dear lad, if thee can get away from duty why not get inside with us, and go on to the house? Then we shall all be together once more.”
“Thank you, madam,” answered Drayton with alacrity. “I was hoping that you would ask me. I shall be pleased.”
“I did not know that Captain Drayton was so well known to your family, Peggy,” remarked Robert with some stiffness.
“Why, we have known him for years, Robert,” replied Peggy. “Doesn’t thee like him?”
“He is one of the most daring, dashing, reckless officers in the service, Peggy. Whenever there is anything of an especially dangerous nature to be done, John Drayton is the first fellow to be named in connection with its performance. I have always had a high regard for him. At least until——” He paused in some confusion.
Peggy laughed out suddenly, and a sparkle of mischief came into her eye.