“I am accompanying them, certainly,” said Mr. Holliway with asperity.
“Who are these ladies?”
“My sisters,” said Captain Locke firmly, “and I am here to protect them on their way back home.”
“Where have they been?”
“They are from Mr. Robert Bolling’s in Fauquier County, Virginia. They have been visiting at his house. We wished them to return to Baltimore, and I came south for them. My cousin, Mr. May, joined us.”
“And you—what are you doing down here?” with a touch of irony to Holliway.
“Got caught this side by the war, and am trying to get back home.”
“Ah, yes, of course. I can’t pass you. Take seats, please. The marshal will be in directly.”
Our evidence was too smooth.
It was plain the deputy didn’t believe in us, and we felt uneasy and miserable to the soles of our boots—except Captain Locke, who looked thoroughly at his ease.