"It is the property of Colonel Mortimer, of the Queen's Rangers." "And--and you--you came here to again see--the daughter ?" he questioned, as though half regretting the indiscretion of such a suspicion.
"Oh, no, Captain; you do the lady a grave injustice.

I came here a prisoner, very much against my will, not even aware whose plantation this was.

I had no suspicion that Mistress Mortimer was outside Philadelphia until I overheard your conversation with her." "Overheard! You! In God's name, where were you--" "In this room; with both doors ajar it was impossible not to hear.

You spoke somewhat angrily, you may remember, not finding the lady as gracious in her reception as expected." The sarcasm in my tone stung him, but the surprise was so great that he could only rip out an oath.
"I thought you would have also enjoyed swearing at that time," I continued coolly, "only you scarcely dared venture so far.

You had previously boasted to me of your engagement to the lady, and it naturally was a surprise to observe how lovingly she greeted you--" "Hell's acre!" he burst out.