And--and see that dust cloud over yonder; by all the gods, it will be Chambers coming up at last!" "Then hurry here; I want to ask you just one question for your daughter's sake: Were you my second in the duel this morning ?" "Certainly." "Why didn't you tell me, papa?
Why didn't you explain that Lieutenant Galesworth was not to blame ?" "Well, I didn't want you to feel any worse than you did.

You and Le Gaire were going to be married, and I supposed you cared a good deal for him.

Someway I couldn't make myself talk about it, Billie; that's all." Her eyes sought mine, but just then Miles appeared in the hall, halting with a salute as he caught sight of me.
"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.".