What was she going to explain?
How account for the strange actions of the past few days?
How came she to be here at all?
Would she confess the truth openly before us all, or would she feel justified in concealment?
I could not, did not, doubt the honesty of the girl's intent, and yet was it possible for her to compel these men to accept her version of all which had occurred?
Would she venture a falsehood to protect me, or to save herself?
"I--I have already explained much," I hastened to say, thinking she might wish to know.
"I overheard what has already been said," she returned quickly, but without looking toward me, "and appreciate the care with which my name has thus far been guarded.

Now I am ready to make my own explanation." "But, first, Claire," said her father soberly, "how does it happen you are here?
We supposed you in the hands of 'Red' Fagin, and a squadron of my men are out now tracking the fellows." "I was not in the house when they came, father; Peter and I were back of the stables, fortunately mounted.

We were obliged to ride hard as we were chased several miles, and returned as soon as it appeared safe." "And Eric ?" "He departed before Captain Grant arrived," she replied unhesitatingly, "and must be already safe within his own lines." "It was Eric, then ?" "Who else could it be?
Surely Captain Grant told you as much." The Colonel's eyes wandered about the little group, and his doubt and bewilderment were clearly evident.
"Do you know Eric's purpose in coming here?
in presuming to act as an officer in Delavan's company ?" "He did not inform me, sir." "You know this man ?" She turned, and looked at me for the first time, a silent plea in her blue eyes.
"I do--he is Major Lawrence of General Washington's army," her voice low, but distinct.

"I have known him since the Continental troops were first quartered in Philadelphia." I started slightly, yet as instantly recovered my outward composure, realizing that this strange girl again purposed protecting me from exposure, even at the expense of a falsehood.
"Indeed; you were doubtless aware then that he was within Sir Henry Clinton's lines as a spy ?" "Far from it," she laughed easily, not glancing toward me, but permitting her eyes to rest upon the bewildered face of Captain Grant.

"Why, that idea is perfectly absurd.