CHAPTER X.
MISS WILLIFRED INTERVENES Any effort at escape was clearly useless; the noise and shouting had already attracted the attention of those within, and a half-dozen officers streamed out through the dining-room door, eager to learn what had occurred.
"What's the trouble out here, Sims ?" demanded the first to appear, striding forward.

"Well, by all the gods, a Yank, and in full regalia! Where did you discover this fellow ?" "I'd been back fer a drink, sir," explained the sergeant, still eying me, "an' was just comin' in through ther door yer, when I run inter him, sneakin' 'long ther wall--thet's ther whole bloomin' story." The officer, a smooth-faced lad, turned abruptly to me.
"Well, what have you got to say ?" "Nothing," I answered quietly, "you are perfectly welcome to draw your own conclusions." "Oh, indeed," sarcastically.

"We'll see what more civil answer you'll make to the general.

Sims, bring the fellow along." The two soldiers grabbed me roughly by the arms, but I made no resistance, cool enough by this time, although realizing fully the peril of my position.

I was marched in through the open door, and stood up in the centre of the dining-room, Sims posted on one side of me, the guard on the other, the officers forming a picturesque background.