"Only to walk out under protection of this uniform, and when once safe
in the open to trust that same good fortune which has thus far
befriended me."

She shook her head doubtfully, and stood a moment in silence, looking
thoughtfully at the moving figures in the room beyond.

"I fear it cannot be done without arousing suspicion," she said at
last, slowly. "I chance to know there are unusual precautions being
taken to-night, and the entire camp is doubly patrolled. Even this
house has a cordon of guards about it, but for what reason I have not
learned. No," she spoke decisively, "there is no other way. Captain
Wayne, I am going to try to save you to-night, but in doing so I must
trust my reputation in your keeping."

"I will protect it with my life."

"Protect it with your silence, rather. I know you to be a gentleman, or
I should never attempt to carry out the only means of escape which
seems at all feasible. Discovery would place me in an extremely
embarrassing position, and I must rely upon you to protect me from such
a possibility."

"I beg you," I began, "do not compromise yourself in any way for my
sake."

"But I am myself already deeply involved in this," she interrupted,
"and I could retain no peace of mind were I to do otherwise. Now
listen. Make your way back to the ballroom, and in fifteen minutes from
now be engaged in conversation with General Carlton near the main