"And how did you reach the hallway without being seen ?" Her eyes met mine in a rapid flash of understanding, a little nervous laugh drawing the general's attention.
"It is almost ridiculous," she exclaimed.

"Major Atherton came through the lines with me last night.

He was detailed on special service, for which purpose he donned that uniform.

On meeting Captain Le Gaire here, and learning of your advance, it was no longer necessary for him to proceed at once, and, as he was very tired, he was persuaded to lie down in a room upstairs.

Waking, he naturally came down into the hall, knowing nothing of your arrival.