"Yes, a thousand times, yes! Her love for that boy is mere sentiment. I will teach her what love really means. She has promised to marry me--if I save Harry Bradley's life." "I never saw you taken so with any woman before." "I never cared for a woman before. The moment I saw Maria Semple it was different. I knew that she belonged to me. Henry, you are my best friend, give me my wife; no one but you can do so." "Ernest! Ernest! You ask a great thing." "Not too great for you to grant. You have the will and you have the power. Are you not going to make me happy, Henry?" "Privately, it would be a delight to humor you, Ernest; but officially, what am I to say to Matthews, DuBois and others." "Tell them, that as a matter of military policy, you wish the prisoner released. Why should you make explanations to them? Oh, they are such courtiers, they will smile and do all you wish. You are above their rascally court; reverse their decision in this affair and show them your power. Believe me, it will be, politically, a wise step." There was silence for a few moments, and then Clinton said: "I am sorry for the Semples. I like them both, and there is something about the saddler that sets him above other men. But it would not be right to let this young spy--for he is a spy--off, without some punishment." "I think that is right." "He must be told that he will be shot on sight if he enters New York again." "He will deserve it." "And I will have him drummed out of the city as a rogue and a suspect. We will make no hero of him--quite the contrary." "I oppose nothing of that kind. I ask for his life and his freedom, because he stands between Maria Semple and myself. If I wanted any other reason, because I thoroughly respect his father, and am on excellent terms with his sister, who has been very hospitable to me and who is a remarkable girl. It has troubled me to-day to remember her lonely sorrow and anxiety." "You have given me three good reasons for granting your request, and have omitted the strongest of all, Ernest." "What is that, Henry?" "That I love you." "And I love you. You have always been like a big brother to me; always petted me and humored my desires." "Well, then, I will see Matthews and DuBois in the morning." "Send for them here to-night. If their court is a Military Police Court, you are Commander-in-Chief." "Right! I will send for them. It is only about nine o'clock." "And you will insist that the prisoner be given his life and freedom--nothing less?" "I give you my word for it. But I will have him punished as I said. He must be prevented from coming to New York again. This kind of thing can not happen twice." "I know. If words could thank you, Henry, I would say them." "Nonsense, Ernest; what are words between us? We know each other's heart;" then he laid his arm across his friend's shoulder and their hands clasped; there was no need of words.