"You ask much--my name, a better acquaintance, a dance--all this for
merely saving me from a mob. You are not a modest knight, I fear. Suppose
I refuse?"

"Then am I soldier enough to come unasked, and win my welcome."

"I thought as much," the long lashes opening up to me the depths of the
blue eyes. "I promise nothing then, nor forbid. But there is Captain
Grant seeking me. If I do not speak of gratitude, it is nevertheless in
my heart, sir," she swept me a curtsey, to which I bowed hat in hand,
"and now, _Au revoir_."

I stood as she left me, staring while she crossed the lawn and joined a
dark-faced officer of Rangers. Once she glanced back over her shoulder,
and then disappeared in the crowd of revellers.




CHAPTER IV

THE MISCHIANZA


I had not intended to remain in Philadelphia through the night. Already I
had secured the information sought, and now must consider the safest and
quickest method of escape. It seemed to me this night, given up to
revelry, afforded the best possible opportunity for my safely passing the
British guard-lines. To-morrow discipline would be resumed, the soldiers
would return to their posts and the citizens of the city would again