d no
trace of the missing despatch.

"Do you mean to say Miss Metoaca Newton was not padded?" he asked
incredulously.

"No, sir," Miss Watt hesitated. A slow smile passed over her sharp
face. "That is just natural development," she added.

Nancy turned and addressed Lloyd. "This farce is played out. I demand
our instant release from this humiliating situation."

Lloyd pondered for a moment. His thorough search of their luggage had
revealed nothing compromising. Apparently the Newtons were innocent. He
had no authority to keep them under arrest unless he had found positive
evidence of their guilt. He thought over the situation quickly, and
came to a sudden decision.

"If I have put you to annoyance, it was but in the line of duty," he
said gravely. "Accept my apologies, ladies."

"Seems to me they come a little late in the day," retorted Miss
Metoaca, struggling into her wrap. "Are we at liberty to go to a hotel,
if there is such a thing near this depot?"

"I am going on to Winchester, and will take you both there in my
special car." Lloyd led the way to the platform. "Miss Watt, a train
leaves for Washington in half an hour which you and your companion can
take. On your arrival report at once to Colonel Baker."

They found Goddard waiting at the steps of the car.

"I hope you suffered no indignities, Miss Metoaca," he asked, assisting
her up the high steps; then, without waiting for an answer, he turned
eagerly to Nancy, who colored hotly as she placed her hand for one
second in his before entering the car.

CHAPTER XI

WHO LAUGHS LAST

The trip to Winchester was uneventful. The country through which they
passed had been made desolate by the contending armies; and Nancy gazed
sad-eyed at the ruined homes and wasted fields. War, grim war, had
devastated the entire valley.

Miss Metoaca spent most of her time repairing the rents made in her
wardrobe by Miss Watt and her assistant, and she ignored Lloyd's
existence with studied insolence. Goddard tried to engage Nancy in a
low-toned conversation, but she did not respond to his overtures; so,
tired and worried over the whole situation, he went to the farther end
of the car and found what comfort he could with a cigar.

The station master and regular detail of soldiers were at Stephenson's
Depot when the special train reached its destination. On inquiry
Goddard learned from the officer in command of the detachment that the
usual escort had come fro