Tom saw that he had gone a little too far; but he feared possible recognition, and it might chance that the man whom the British commander was about to call in, would know him; so he continued, boldly: “Safety is the first thing to be looked after. I must demand the name of this person, before you admit him.” “Surely you can suspect no one in Charleston,” said Cornwallis in surprise. Tom determined upon a shrewd stroke. “If none were suspected,” said he, “I should not be here.” The words struck home; the three British officers looked at each other. “True,” said Cornwallis, soberly. “That fact escaped me for the moment. The gentleman who is waiting without is Mr. Clarage, a loyal subject of the king.” Without knowing it the young swamp-rider had been standing upon the brink of discovery; for had Clarage once entered the room he would have been sure to have recognized him. The look upon Tom’s face was observed by Tarleton, and misconstrued. “Surely,” said he, “you do not mean to say that you refuse Clarage’s aid!” “I do,” said the youth, promptly. “You suspect him!” Cornwallis uttered the words in tones of the utmost astonishment. “Why, I did not dream that you ever had heard his name before.” “I have heard of the gentleman many times,” said Tom, gravely. Once more the three officers stared at one another, this time apparently astounded. “I had not imagined,” said Lieutenant-Colonel Tarleton, “that the ramifications of the new system were so extensive.” There was a certain note of respect in his voice that did not escape Tom; he had made an impression by his boldness. “There are many things connected with this business,” said the youth, “that I don’t understand myself.” “I suppose not--I suppose not.” There was awe in the voice of Cornwallis as he said this; and Tom could scarcely keep from laughing. He was determined to escape the notice of Clarage, so he continued, “This man Clarage must not be permitted to observe me--he must not see me--he must not know who I am.” “Is it possible that he is suspected as strongly as all that!” “He is not a king’s officer,” said Tom, “and in these times it behooves us to suspect every one not actually in the uniform.” “Right,” cried Tarleton. “Right, sir! Allow me to shake you by the hand.” He grasped Tom’s hand as he spoke, and shook it warmly. “When I first clapped eyes upon you I could not understand why a boy had been sent about this important business; but I see it now; it’s because you have brains and know how to use them.” He continued to shake Tom’s hand violently. “I beg your pardon, sir, for my first impression of you; but I see my mistake, and am willing to acknowledge it. You are right. Every one in Carolina should be suspected except those who wear the king’s uniform.”