“What effort do you propose to make?”
“Would you object to being searched?”
“For what?” asked Mildred with inward trepidation, as she perceived treachery gradually unfolding. For one moment the most bitter hatred toward that deceptive clerk sprang up in her heart, and she felt that she could have taken his life. But it was only for a moment.
“We wish to see if you have anything contraband,” replied the clerk.
“I suppose you intend to search me anyhow, whether I consent or not?”
“We don’t like to resort to force,” answered the clerk, “and we hope you’ll readily give your consent. Indeed, a willingness on your part to submit will be taken as evidence of your loyalty to the government.”
“I do not see it in that light,” said Mildred as quietly as possible. “What have I done to arouse your suspicions?”
“That does not matter, lady,” replied the clerk. “I have no feeling of malice toward you. I sincerely hope that I am mistaken, and that you may prove as innocent of any sinister intentions towards the government as the angels of heaven. I was prepossessed in your favor by your general appearance and your conversation. But if you have come to the city with any dark purpose, it is but natural that you should oppose being searched.”
“Can you not see,” asked Mildred, speaking slowly, “that it is a personal indignity to be subjected to a search?”