"Shot—Lieutenant Gaskins?"
"Certainly; you must be aware of that?"
"Oh, I knew he had some altercation, and was wounded; he accused you, did he not? But why bring us into the affair?"
"Because some woman was directly concerned in it. Whoever she may be, the officers of the fort are convinced that she probably fired the shot; that the Lieutenant knows her identity, and is endeavoring to shield her from discovery."
"Why do they think that? What reason can they have for such a conclusion? Was she seen?"
"Her footprints were plainly visible, and the revolver used was a small one—a '36'—such as a woman alone would carry in this country. I have said so to no one else, but I saw her, crouching in the shadow of the barrack wall."
"You—you saw her? Recognized her?"
"Yes."
"And made no attempt at arrest? Have not even mentioned the fact to others? You must have a reason?"
"I have, Mrs. Dupont, but we will not discuss it now. I merely wish you to comprehend that if it is to be war between us, I am in possession of weapons."