arrival. Explain to me, if you please, the particular nature of the
charge against me."

"It is not my province, at this moment, to do so, Mr. Wayne. It is
sufficient that, upon information lodged with me last evening, and
forwarded to Washington by telegraph, I received from the Secretary of
War orders for your immediate arrest, should I find the information
true. I have found it true, and I arrest you."

"Surely, nothing in that letter can be so misconstrued as to implicate
me."

"Mr. Wayne, this prevarication is as useless as it is unseemly. You
_know_ that the letter is sufficient warrant for my proceeding. My
carriage is at the door. I trust you will accompany me without further
delay."

"Sir, I was about to proceed, when you entered, upon an errand that
involves the safety and happiness of the young lady mentioned in that
letter. The letter itself will inform you of the circumstance, and I
assure you, events are in progress that require my immediate action. You
will at least allow me to visit the party?"

The marshal looked at him with surprise.

"What party?"

"The lady of whom my friend makes mention."

"I do not understand you. I can only conceive that, for some purpose of