The _coup de theatre_ by which Armitage had taken the place of his servant had amused her for a moment; but she was vexed and angry now that he had dared come again to the house.
"You are under arrest, Mr.Armitage; I must detain you here," said Claiborne.
"In America--in free Virginia--without legal process ?" asked Armitage, laughing.
"You are a housebreaker, that is enough.

Shirley, please go!" "You were not detached from the army to find a housebreaker.

But I will make your work easy for you--day after to-morrow I will present myself to you wherever you say.

But now--that cable message which my man found in your sheep pasture is of importance.

I must trouble you to read it to me." "No!" shouted Claiborne.
Armitage drew a step nearer.
"You must take my word for it that matters of importance, of far-reaching consequence, hang upon that message.