Nancy's answer was drowned in the sudden rush of feet outside, and the shout: "Corporal of the guard, this way!"
The door was dashed open, and Lloyd, followed by a file of soldiers, strode into the room.
"Arrest——" He stopped short and gazed blankly at Nancy and Goddard. One searching look around showed him they were the only occupants of the room.
"What is the matter?" demanded Goddard, much startled.
"We are searching for a rebel spy who entered Winchester with a false pass. The corporal thinks he saw him enter this room thirty minutes ago."
"I beg pardon, Captain; it might have been Major Goddard that I saw. It is dark in the hall, and I did not see clearly," interrupted the bewildered corporal.
"How long have you been in this room, Bob?" asked Lloyd sternly.
Nancy's fingers closed convulsively over the edge of the sofa. Goddard's sightless eyes were turned for an instant in her direction.
"Nearly three-quarters of an hour, Lloyd," was the tranquil answer.