Colonel Owen laughed and shrugged his shoulders.
“I had forgot,” he said ironically. “I cry you pardon. Captain Williams, of course, is conversant with the entire code of civilized warfare. I shall say no more.” He arose and left the apartment.
“Clifford, thee must let me see John,” urged Peggy with feverish insistence. “A little time is all I ask. It could not matter, nor make the least difference in carrying out thy duty. One little hour, Clifford!”
“Say no more,” he cried harshly. “I will not permit it.”
“Thee shall, Clifford Owen.” Peggy’s own voice grew hard in the intensity of her feeling. “I have never asked favor of thee before, and yet thee is indebted to me. Have I not cared for thee in illness? Thee has said that thee would try in part to repay what thee owed me. This is thy opportunity. When thee was about to die among strangers I came to comfort and console thee in thy last hours. Wilt not let him have a like consolation? Clifford!” Her voice broke suddenly. “Thee will let me see him.”
“No,” he responded inexorably. “Where are you going?” he asked abruptly as the girl turned from him with determination written on her countenance.
“I am going to Lord Cornwallis,” answered Peggy. “I shall lay this matter before him, and show him that ’tis not zeal which animates thee in the discharge of thy duty, but private hatred. I make no doubt but that he will accord me permission to see John.”
“I make no doubt of it either,” ejaculated the boy savagely. He was well enough acquainted with his chief to know that a demand made by so winsome a maiden would be granted. “Come back here, Peggy. I’ll let you see him. I don’t care to have Lord Cornwallis, or any one else, mixed up in our private affairs. But mind! it will only be for one hour.”
“Thank thee, Clifford. ’Tis all I ask,” she said sorrowfully. “When will thee take me to him?”
“So long as it has to be, it might as well be now,” he told her sulkily. “Are you ready?”