"I hear that Major Goddard has regained consciousness, Colonel."
"Good!" Baker hesitated a moment; then turned on his heel. "Come with me, Symonds." And he led the way to Mrs. Lane's. The sentry on duty before the house saluted as he recognized him, and allowed him to enter the dwelling.
Baker wasted no time downstairs, but went directly to Lloyd's sitting room, and rapped softly on the door. In response to his knock, a nurse appeared in the doorway.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I have come to see your patient, Major Goddard, who I am told has regained consciousness."
"Oh, that is impossible," exclaimed the nurse, and she made a movement to close the door.
"One moment!"—sternly—"I am Colonel Baker, of the Secret Service. It is imperative that I see Major Goddard at once. I will not stay long." And he edged toward the doorway.
The young nurse had but recently joined the United States Sanitary Commission, and she was overawed by Baker's authoritative manner.
"Doctor Ward has forbidden ... still," she murmured, "if you will stay but a few minutes...." She moved reluctantly aside, and Baker stepped into the room, followed by Symonds.
"Don't worry," said the colonel kindly. "I will explain my presence to Doctor Ward; you will not be blamed. Where is your patient?"