"I thought so," muttered Mr. Allison.

They were seated now in the parlor, the two men at opposite ends of the
table, the girl at the side of the room.

"They met at Morristown?" asked Mr. Allison.

"Yes. At Norris' Tavern. Major-General Howe was chairman of the court.
Only four charges were pressed for trial: the matter of the pass; the
affair of the wagons; the shops; and the imposition upon the militia."

"And Arnold?"

"He managed his own trial, and conducted his own cross-examination. He
made an imposing spectacle as he limped before the court. The sword
knots of Washington were about his waist and he took pains to allude to
them several times during the defense. It was astonishing to hear his
remarkable flow of language and his display of knowledge of military
law. He created a wonderful impression."

"He was found guilty, you say?" interposed Mr. Allison.

"Technically guilty of one charge and imprudent in another," was the
deliberate reply.

"And sentenced?"

"To receive a reprimand from the Commander-in-chief."

Mr. Allison assented by a move of his head.

"How did he take it?" he then asked. "I cannot imagine his proud nature
to yield readily to rebuke."

The visitor thought for a moment.

"His face was ashen pale; there was a haggard look upon it; the eyes
were marked with deep circles and his step faltered as he turned on his
heel and, without a word, made his way from the court room."

"Were you present at the trial?" Marjorie inquired.

"Yes, Miss Allison."

"Was Stephen?"

"No." The sergeant answered mildly, smiling as he did so.

Marjorie smiled, too.

"Tell me," Mr. Allison asked. "Was the evidence conclusive?"

"The _Isis_ occupied the court to some length. It was contended that
General Arnold had issued the pass with evil intent. The affair of the
regiment was referred to in connection with this, but no great stress
was brought to bear upon it because of the fear of arousing a possible
prejudice in the minds of the court. That fact was introduced solely as
a motive."

Allison shook his head again.

"It was proved," the sergeant continued, "that the _Isis_ was a
Philadelphia schooner, manned by Philadelphia men, and engaged in the
coastwise trade. The pass itself was introduced as an exhibit, to
support the contention that the General, while Military Governor, had
given military permission for the vessel to leave the harbor of
Philadelphia for the port of New York, then in