in their greeting, and I hear innuendoes."

"What do you care? Women will say anything when jealous, which I
suspect is the cause of their behavior. Hasn't your mirror told you
that?" and Goddard smiled, as he looked with admiration at her winsome
face.

"It is not always the women who throw the first stone, Major," again
Nancy hesitated. "There is a man in Washington--he chose to consider
himself in love with me, and because I did not encourage his suit
he--he--insinuates----"

"The beast! Why don't you tell him he is a liar and a coward?"

"Because I am only a woman."

"I wish you would give me the right to protect you," whispered Goddard,
carried away by the wistful appeal in her large, eloquent eyes.

"Major Goddard," Nancy drew back, frightened by the intensity of his
manner. "This is very wrong. You--you--forget we have not known each
other long."

"I am getting on as fast as I can," retorted Goddard sturdily; his
heart thumping as he saw her confusion. "Miss Newton--Nancy--I mean
every word I have said. Tell me that scoundrel's name!"

Unconsciously Goddard raised his voice, and Miss Metoaca awoke from her
slumbers, which had long exceeded the "forty winks." That limit existed
only in her imagination.

"Well, young people, are you hungry?" to attract Goddard's attention
she prodded him with her umbrella. "Suppose we open our lunch basket."

Reluctantly Goddard rose and assisted Miss Metoaca in handing the
sandwiches, cakes, and cold coffee to Nancy. They did full justice to
the good things provided by Miss Metoaca's excellent cook, and lingered
over the improvised lunch table. Finally Nancy commenced putting the
remains of the lunch into the hamper just as the train reached the
railroad bridge which spanned the Potomac at the juncture of the
Shenandoah River.

As the train came to a stop before the depot at Harper's Ferry their
car was surrounded by a squad of soldiers, and a lieutenant of infantry
swung on board the forward platform and consulted with the conductor.

"There's the party," said the latter, pointing through the open door to
Miss Metoaca and Nancy, who were sitting together. The officer stepped
into the car and addressed them.

"Miss Newton?" he asked, touching his cap, "and Miss Nancy Newton, from
Washington?"

"Yes, sir," said Miss Metoaca. "What then?"

"I have orders to detain you both in Harper's Ferry. Kindly follow me,"
and he turned as if to leave the car.

"By whose or