"I know more about this affair than you do, Hardy. This blue-bellied puppy was with Billie before, and I knew there was some infernal scheme on the moment I saw him here to-night. The girl helped him to get away once before, and there's some trick being worked off now."
The older man was upon his feet instantly.
"Hold on there; not another word; whatever my girl has done she is not going to be condemned in my presence without a hearing."
"Major Hardy," I broke in, and stepped between them. "This is my quarrel, and not yours. Your daughter has done nothing for which she can be criticised. All her connection with me has been accidental, and during our last interview she merely begged for your release. When I refused to grant the request, she repudiated her parole, and I locked her in her own room as a prisoner. I did not even know this was your home, or that Miss Willifred was here, when I came. When Captain Le Gaire insinuates that there was any arrangement between us he lies."
"Were you not on the balcony alone, talking together?"
"Yes, she caught me there, by coming out suddenly."
"And protected you, you coward--drew us into the trap."
"Miss Hardy had no knowledge of what I proposed doing, nor that I had any men with me. Indeed, I myself acted merely on the spur of the moment."
"What were you sneaking about there in the dark for then?" he sneered. "You are nothing but a contemptible spy."
I was holding my temper fairly well, yet my patience was near the breaking point.