Colonel Dunwoody was true to his word, and returned to his quarters by the house of Major Lester. Clarice opened the door for him, and he said pleasantly: “Thanks, for I am in full retreat, and this is a haven of refuge for me. Glance up and down the rows and you’ll discover several ambushing-parties lying in wait for me, and I have barely escaped the petticoats upon my trail by dodging in here. I am very much in demand to-day by the ladies, Miss Clarice.” Clarice laughed at beholding, as the colonel had said, the petticoat ambushers in squads ready to head him off and learn the facts regarding the prisoner. As none of the officers had yet been made acquainted with just how matters stood, of course the ladies could not learn from their husbands what was really the status of affairs. The colonel having thrown himself into an easy chair, said: “Well, Miss Clarice, I had a long talk with that very wonderful man, Silk Lasso Sam.” “Yes, sir, and I suppose found him unrepentant, as he was upon the single visit I made to him?” “He was unrepentant, yes; but did I understand you to say that you had been but once to see him, Miss Clarice?” “That is all, sir.” “That is strange.” “What is, may I ask, sir!” “That you visited him only once.” “That is all, sir.” “Put your thinking-cap on, Miss Clarice, and see if you do not recall going there more than once.” “I need not think, sir, for there can be no doubt, as such a circumstance as another visit I could not forget, as I shall never cease to remember the one call I made upon him through a sense of duty.” “My dear Miss Clarice, I cannot but take your word for it, but you know all appertaining to the prisoner is reported to me.” “Doubtless, sir.” “And you are reported as having been to the cabin to visit Silk Lasso Sam on two separate days and occasions.” “The report is wrong, sir.” “It furthermore gives the time of your visits and the length of time you remained. May I ask how long you remained the first visit?” “The only visit, you mean, sir?” “Yes.” “I remained just seventeen minutes.” “And there was no second visit?” “None, sir.” “Then I shall at once see the officer that made this false report, which is to the effect that you passed the sentinel and remained in the prisoner’s cabin just one hour and ten minutes.” An indignant flash came into the eyes of the young girl at this charge, and she said with some show of anger: “Colonel Dunwoody, you know me well enough to understand that I have nothing to hide, that there is no treachery or deceit in my composition, and I will esteem it a favor if you will bring the officer and sentinel who made this report to confront me.” “I shall go at once, Miss Clarice, to sift this matter,” and the colonel hastened away. He went direct to his quarters and sent for the officer who had made the report, and the sentinel who was on duty at the time of the alleged visit of the girl to the prison.