the obvious intention of taking
her in charge. Clifford drew Peggy's arm within his own in a
determined manner.

"My cousin stays with me," he said. "She goes not out of my sight."

"What nonsense!" ejaculated the leader angrily. "Did I not say that no
harm was intended either of you? The girl will be all right."

"I think so too, my cousin," said Peggy after a glance at the
landlady's face. She was not ill looking, and the maiden was no longer
afraid.

"It may be," answered Clifford. "To be sure I shall keep you where I
shall be certain of the fact."

"Very well," said the leader shrugging his shoulders. "'Tis not my
affair. Step in here, captain."

Again the cousins wondered, but without a word they entered the room
indicated. There was no one within, and for the moment they were
alone. Peggy turned toward him quickly.

"What does thee think of it all, Clifford?" she cried.

"I have a strong suspicion as to who is responsible," he answered with
darkening brow, "but we shall see."

Just at this moment the door opened precipitately to admit one at whom
Peggy stared, then rubbed her eyes to look again; for it was Harriet
Owen.

"At last, my brother," she cried advancing toward him and throwing her
arms about his neck. "We have you at last. Oh, won't the rebels howl
when they find their victim gone?"

"Harriet!" Clifford unclasped her arms, and held her so that he might
look at her. "I feared this. What is the meaning of this?"

"It means life, liberty, freedom, my brother," she cried exultingly.
"I planned it all, though I did of a truth have assistance. I had
spies who found that you were permitted to ride about the country. I
kept a watch for several days that I might have you brought here."

"For what purpose?" he asked coldly. "You could have seen me by coming
to Chatham."

"Chatham?" she answered impatiently. "Clifford, don't you understand?
I could not come to Chatham, because I failed. Sir Guy will not give
up that Captain Lippencott to the rebel general. Sir Guy! Poof! I
weary of him!" She gave her foot an impatient stamp. "Why should he
shield a refugee when an English officer's life is at stake? And I
have helped to further his plans too, my brother. I carried goods into
Lancaster for him, contraband they were. 'Tis the plan now to subdue
the Americans by their love of indulgences, and by so pampering them
draw out the money from the country. When all is gone they must
surrender. War cannot