"Nobody in the attic, sir, but things are getting pretty warm outside," he reported anxiously.
"The way is still open toward the ravine, Sergeant. Get your men together in the front hall at once. Never mind the prisoners; the major will release them after we have gone."
His heels came together with a click, and he strode to the head of the stairs.
"By the way, Sergeant," I called after him, "did you have a guard posted in the upper hall here this morning?"
"A guard? No, sir."
"Were you aware that any of our men had been up stairs since last evening?"
"None of them have, sir; I'm cocksure of that." "That's all, Sergeant; be lively now." My eyes turned toward Billie, and she held out both her hands.
"If we never know the truth, Lieutenant Galesworth," she said softly, "I shall believe all you have told me."