"I'm a just man, Mrs. Chester, but I know what's what. She must have done it--she was around the place. And I know that none of my men did it. They know better! No one but the game-keepers are allowed to go into the preserve, and they all know they'd be dismissed at once if they disobeyed my rules about that. I'm strict--very strict! I insist upon obedience of orders and truthfulness--learned the need of them when I was in the army. Don't you think I can tell what's going on here, ma'am?" "I think you're mistaken, General--that's all. I'm sure Bessie is telling the truth. Why shouldn't she? You've told her that she needn't be afraid to confess if she did frighten the birds, and that was very kind and generous of you. So, if she had, she wouldn't have anything to lose by saying so, and promising not to be careless that way again." "What do you know about her, ma'am? Isn't it true that she's one of the two girls you told me about last night--that Miss Mercer had found? If--" "I know she's a brave, honest girl, General. She's proved that already." "I disagree with you, Mrs. Chester," said the general, stiffly. "You're a lady, and you naturally think well of everyone. I've learned by bitter experience that we can't always do that. I've trusted men, and had them go wrong, despite that. If she was one of the girls like the others, that you'd always known about, it would be different. Then I'd be happy to take your word for it. But when I think you aren't in any better position to judge than I am, I've got to use my own judgment." "I'm sorry, General," said Mrs. Chester. "I can't tell you how sorry I am--but I'm sure you're wrong." "She can't stay here, that's certain," said the general, testily. "I can't have a girl about the place who frightens my birds and then tells--lies--" Bessie cried out sharply at that word. "Oh--oh!" she said. "Really, I've told the truth--I have, indeed! If I said what you want me to say, than I'd be lying--but I'm not." "Silence, please!" said General Seeley, sternly. "I'm talking with Mrs. Chester now, young woman. You've had your chance--and you wouldn't take it. Now I'm done with you!" "What do you mean, General?" asked Mrs. Chester, looking very grave. "You'll have to send her away--where she came from, Mrs. Chester. You and the girls you can vouch for are welcome, but I can't have her here." "I can't do that, General," said Mrs. Chester, not angrily, but gravely, and looking him straight in the eyes. "But you must! I won't let her stay here! And these are my grounds, aren't they?" "Certainly! But if Bessie goes, we all go with her. It's not our way to desert those we've once befriended and taken in, General." "That is for you to decide, ma'am," he said, stiffly. He got up and bowed to her. "I'm sorry that this should cause a quarrel--"