To my mind the excuse for masquerade no longer existed.

The two fugitives were already safely on their way toward Canada, beyond any possibility of pursuit; and, from now on, I could better play my game in the open, confident that I held the winning hand in my knowledge of the girl's identity.
So I proposed finding Eloise, and telling her the whole truth; following that, and assured of her support, I would defy Kirby, denounce him if necessary to the military authorities, identifying myself by means of my army commission, and insist on the immediate release of the girl.

The man had broken no law--unless the wanton killing of Shrunk could be proven against him--and I might not be able to compel his arrest.

Whatever he suspected now relative to his prisoner, he had originally supposed her to be his slave, his property, and hence possessed a right under the law to restrain her liberty.

But even if I was debarred from bringing the man to punishment, I could break his power, and overturn his plans.