AT CROSS PURPOSES It could not be considered an unpleasant place of imprisonment, yet it was useless for me to contrive any plans of immediate escape, for the door was securely locked, and two heavily armed dragoons sat within eying me rather malevolently.

My attempt at approaching the window was instantly checked by a threatening gesture, and I sat down in the reading chair to await developments.

They could not muffle my ears, however, and I heard the swift hoof-beats of an approaching horse being ridden furiously up the gravel driveway.

At the door he was hastily checked, and a voice spoke peremptorily: "Here you, take the rein!" The fellow came up the steps hurriedly, almost ignoring the sentry at the door.
"I haven't time to stand here, you fool," he exclaimed roughly.

"My uniform is pass enough.