er--but, Major Lawrence, you are."

The earnestness with which she spoke made my heart leap. Whatever the
girl's political sentiments might be, she was plainly desirous of serving
me, of once again exposing herself in my defence. Yet her words, the
frank expression of her eyes, gave no suggestion of sentiment--she was
but a friend, an ally, performing a woman's part in the war game.

"But I fail to understand--"

"You mean me? Oh, well, you are not the first; and no doubt it is best
so. The less you understand, the better we shall get along, Major; the
only question being, will you obey my orders?"

"Had I inclination otherwise I fear I should find it impossible."

"I hardly know whether that remark be complimentary or not. You might
mean that no other course was left you."

"Which I suspect is true, although if it proved so I should willingly
trust myself to your guidance, because of my faith in you."

"That is much better," her eyes laughing, yet as swiftly sobering again.
"But it is foolish of us to waste time in such silly speeches. There is
too much waiting attention. Fortunately this house is not without its
secrets, for when built by my grandfather this was the frontier."

"But does not Grant know?" I asked soberly. "I understood he played here
as a boy, and there is not much a lad fails to learn."

"He is not without knowledge, surely, but here is something he never
discovered. I would never have trusted him with the secret, and yet, as
short a time as I have known you, I have no hesitancy. Isn't that a frank
confession, sir?"

"One I mean you shall never regret."

"I am sure of that; yet I shall not betray everything even to you. Please
face about with eyes to the front window. Yes, so; now do not look around
until I tell you."

I heard her cross the room, her skirts rustling slightly, and then the
faint clicking of some delicately adjusted mechanism. As this sound
ceased, her voice again spoke.

"Now, Major, the way is opened for a safe retreat. Behold what has been
accomplished by the genii of the lamp."

She was standing at one side of what had been the fireplace, but now the
entire lower portion of the great chimney had been swung aside, revealing
an opening amply large enough for the entrance of a man. I took one step
forward to where I could perceive the beginning of a narrow winding stair
leading down into intense blackness. Then I glanced aside into her eyes.

"The concealment was perfe