"You do not exhibit very great faith in the lady—the daughter of a loyalist."
He drew a quick breath, suddenly aware that he had gone too far.
"It is your sneaking spy methods, not the girl. She is innocent enough, but I suspect you dragged the truth out of her. Now see here!" and his voice took on the tone of a bully. "You are in power just now, but you won't always be. You can't hold me prisoner; not with these ragamuffins. They'll turn us loose as soon as they loot those wagons. I know how they work in the Jerseys. But first I intend to tell you something it will be worth your while to remember. Claire Mortimer is going to be my wife—my wife. War is one thing, but if you interfere in my personal affairs again, I am going to kill you."
"Indeed," smilingly. "Is Mistress Mortimer aware of the honor you are according her?"
"She is aware of the engagement, if that is what you mean. It has been understood since our childhood."
"Oh, I see; a family arrangement. Well, Grant, this is all very interesting, but I am unable to conceive what I have to do with it. I met Mistress Mortimer by accident, and then was fortunate enough to dance with her once. 'Tis scarcely likely we shall ever meet again. The daughter of a colonel of Queen's Rangers is not apt to come again into contact with an officer of the Maryland Line. I don't know why you should single me out in this matter. I don't even know the lady's brother."
"Her brother?"
"Yes, the family renegade; the twin brother on Lee's staff."
I could not perceive the expression of the man's face, but he was a long while answering.
"Oh, yes. She told you about him?"