The Captain did not answer.
It was a long journey, in a bumping car with had springs that rattled unceasingly, past the string of provost guards. The Colonel sat in the corner, with his head bent down over his stick At length, cramped and weary, they got out, and made their way along the Arsenal wall, past the sentries to the entrance. The sergeant brought his rifle to a "port".
"Commandant's orders, sir. No one admitted," he said.
"Is Captain Colfax here?" asked Mr. Carver
"Captain Colfax was taken to Illinois in a skiff, quarter of an hour since."
Captain Lige gave vent to a long, low whistle.
"A skiff!" he exclaimed, "and the river this high! A skiff!"
Virginia clasped his arm in terror. "Is there danger?"
Before he could answer came the noise of steps from the direction of the river, and a number of people hurried up excitedly. Colonel Carvel recognized Mr. Worington, the lawyer, and caught him by the sleeve.
"Anything happened?" he demanded.