igh and low before I left, and she could not
get in here without passing the guard-house."

Kane stared into the Sergeant's race a moment, and then out across the
parade ground. A yellow light winked in the Colonel's office,
occasionally blotted out by the passing figure of a sentry. The
officer came to a prompt decision.

"The 'old man' is over there yet, grubbing at some papers. Come on
over, and tell him what you have told me. I believe the lass will turn
up all right, but it does look rather queer."

The Colonel and the Post Adjutant were in the little office, busy over
a pile of papers. Both officers glanced up, resenting the
interruption, as Kane entered, Hamlin following. The former explained
the situation briefly, while the commandant leaned back in his chair,
his keen eyes studying the younger man.

"Very well, Captain Kane," he said shortly, as the officer's story
ended. "We shall have to examine into this, of course, but will
probably discover the whole affair a false alarm. There is, at
present, no necessity for alarming any others. Sergeant, kindly
explain to me why Miss McDonald should have come to you in her
distress?"

Hamlin stepped forward, and told the story again in detail, answering
the Colonel's questions frankly.

"This, then, was the only time you have met since your arrival?"

"Yes, sir."

"And this Mrs. Dupont? You have had a previous acquaintance with her?"

"Some years ago."

"You consider her a dangerous woman?"

"I know her to be utterly unscrupulous, sir. I am prepared to state
that she is here under false pretences, claiming to be a niece of Major
McDonald's. I do not know her real purpose, but am convinced it is an
evil one."

The Colonel shook his head doubtfully, glancing at the silent adjutant.

"That remains to be proven, Sergeant. I have, of course, met the lady,
and found her pleasant and agreeable as a companion. Deuced pretty
too; hey, Benson? Why do you say she masquerades as McDonald's niece?"

"Because her maiden name was Carson and the Major's sister married a
man named Counts."

"There might have been another marriage. Surely McDonald must know."

"Miss Molly says not, Colonel. He has known nothing of his sister for
over twenty years, and accepted this woman on her word."

"Well, well! Interesting situation; hey, Benson? Like to get to the
bottom myself. Damme if it don't sound like a novel. However, the
thing before us right now is