Lettice tried to do so, ending with, “If you have not been concerned in the matter, he must have done it entirely of his own accord.” “Do you suppose that either of us would so degrade ourselves as to stoop to theft?” returned Rhoda, frigidly. “I don’t know; I can’t tell. I am so distracted that I hardly know what I do think. I know you are not friendly to our cause, and that in war it is not thought wrong to avail one’s self of all sorts of methods to carry out an intention. Oh, Rhoda! if I do not recover the papers, they will make me tell whom I suspect, and he will be arrested and perhaps shot for a spy.” “Sh! sh! Aunt Martha may hear.” “Where is she?” “Gone to bed with a sick headache. It was warm, and I did not care to go so early.” “What shall I do? What shall I do?” “Do you care so much for Robert Clinton’s safety?” “I care! Of course I do. I don’t know whether much or little. One would rather one’s friends should be safe. I denounced him to his face for a spy, and if it is true that he is one, I despise him, but I do not want him taken and hung. Oh, Rhoda, will you warn him? And, oh, those papers! What can I do? I don’t know which way to turn.” “Robert will tell me the truth,” said Rhoda, after a moment’s thought; “I am sure he will.” “And will you try to get the papers back again?” “Yes; but I am quite convinced that he did not take them.” “Who, then? No one else saw me.” “How do you know?” “I know that he did see me.” “But you cannot swear that another was not peeping, so I think you should give him the benefit of the doubt.” “I cannot help my suspicions, knowing his devotion to his party.” “Yes, but he is not a traitor to his country, and does not love her enemies any more than you do.” “And I have given my word that I would tell the name of the one I suspect. Please, Rhoda, get him away if you can, but do not tell him that I begged it of you. Promise me that.” “I will do my best. It is a great pity that you were not more cautious. Are you going back to-night? Must you?” “Yes, I must. I am not afraid.” “No one knew of your coming?” “No, I sneaked out, and shall probably be well scolded for it. And what excuse can I make?” “You are all well?” “Yes. You have not seen Jamie yet, I suppose.” “No.” “He has just come from down the country, and to-night had to remain at home to help entertain this array of soldiers I left there. You will see him to-morrow, no doubt.” “You volunteer the information as if you thought I had demanded it.” “Well, don’t you demand it? There, Rhoda, I will not tease you. You have been very sweet and forbearing, and I thank you, and will thank you still more if you can help to get this dreadful matter righted.” “One thing you have forgotten.” “And what is that?” “Your companion, Mr. Baldwin. You say you denounced Robert before him. What is to prevent him from telling the whole thing?”