Lloyd came at once in answer to the detective's call. His face fell when she declared nothing had been found of a suspicious nature, and no trace of the missing despatch.
"Do you mean to say Miss Metoaca Newton was not padded?" he asked incredulously.
"No, sir," Miss Watt hesitated. A slow smile passed over her sharp face. "That is just natural development," she added.
Nancy turned and addressed Lloyd. "This farce is played out. I demand our instant release from this humiliating situation."
Lloyd pondered for a moment. His thorough search of their luggage had revealed nothing compromising. Apparently the Newtons were innocent. He had no authority to keep them under arrest unless he had found positive evidence of their guilt. He thought over the situation quickly, and came to a sudden decision.
"If I have put you to annoyance, it was but in the line of duty," he said gravely. "Accept my apologies, ladies."
"Seems to me they come a little late in the day," retorted Miss Metoaca, struggling into her wrap. "Are we at liberty to go to a hotel, if there is such a thing near this depot?"
"I am going on to Winchester, and will take you both there in my special car." Lloyd led the way to the platform. "Miss Watt, a train leaves for Washington in half an hour which you and your companion can take. On your arrival report at once to Colonel Baker."
They found Goddard waiting at the steps of the car.
"I hope you suffered no indignities, Miss Metoaca," he asked, assisting her up the high steps; then, without waiting for an answer, he turned eagerly to Nancy, who colored hotly as she placed her hand for one second in his before entering the car.