Boyd shook his head. "Impossible. I cannot leave the city now."
"Why not?"
"Because I have a capital operation to perform at ten o'clock."
Nancy gazed at him in consternation. "Why, Doctor, you have always said that when the Cause needed your services you would not fail...."
"Nor will I, when the Cause really needs me. But at present you are better equipped to carry these messages through the lines than I."
Nancy fingered the table ornaments for a moment in silence; then raised her troubled eyes to her listener's face.
"I have sent my last despatch," she announced quietly.
"What!" The doctor could not believe his ears. "Why?"
"Because I refuse to deceive people any longer. I was brought up to believe a lie an abomination of the Lord—and I have been a living lie for three long years!"
"You have developed a New England conscience," growled Boyd.