"Until further orders are received from Washington."
"I haven't the faintest intention of staying here," announced Miss Metoaca, with rising indignation. "We have passes from President Lincoln to go to Winchester, and to Winchester I am going."
The lieutenant shook his head. "These orders supersede your passes. You will both have to come with me."
"Indeed?" Miss Metoaca settled herself comfortably in her seat. "Then, young man, you will have the pleasure of carrying me; for I do not intend to walk out of this car until I reach my proper destination."
The lieutenant was equal to the occasion. "Go forward, conductor," he ordered, "and tell the engineer to back this car on a siding in the yard, then uncouple it from the train. Sergeant, conduct these passengers," indicating the men who had gathered about them, "into the next car."
"Wait," called Nancy, and the conductor stopped. "I am sure this extraordinary order can be satisfactorily explained; so let us go quietly with this officer, Aunt Metoaca. We must be dignified under our arrest."
"Dignity? Who cares about dignity when one's personal liberty is in question? I decline to leave this seat."
Nancy bent and whispered rapidly in her aunt's ear. At first her communication was not taken in good part; then the spinster's face cleared, and she rose.
"I will come with you," she volunteered graciously. "Go on ahead, Lieutenant."
Bewildered by her sudden change of front, the young officer led the way to the door, followed by both women, Goddard, and the sergeant. As Miss Metoaca stepped from the car the guard closed round them. The conductor deposited their hand luggage on the platform. "All aboard!" he shouted; then signaled to his engineer, and with a rattle and roar the belated train thundered out of the station.