"Well, and we be the authorities," answered the man less rudely, for there was that in Mistress Clevering's voice that brought him to his senses. "We have here an order from the commander-in-chief to search this house for a rebel spy. Open the door and read the writ for yourself." The window above was closed, and presently the click of the lock was heard, and then the door opened partially and Mistress Clevering, candle in hand, stood before them. Betty cowered behind like a frightened child. "No one is here save my daughter and myself; to search the house were wasted time." And in her heart, Joscelyn thanked Heaven she could speak thus truly; but the soldier said brusquely:-- "We have judged the matter differently; lead the way, and see to it that you open every door. We will put up with no deception." As they passed into the house, Joscelyn's voice from over the way cried out shrilly, "Neglect not to search the closet by the attic chimney; 'tis just of a size to hold a man, and perchance contains him whom you seek." Mistress Clevering turned angrily toward the door as though she would answer, but the soldiers urged her on, and so it was Betty who called back:-- "That is neighbourly! Tell all you know about your best friends, Mistress Ingrate; we have naught to fear." At this Joscelyn laughed loudly, but to Richard the laugh was more hysterical than mirthful, like one under a great nervous strain. He felt his hands involuntarily groping for his pistols, as the opposite light flashed from window to window and he knew his mother was being ordered about by those insolent Redcoats. The candle lingered longest in the attic; but at last it descended, and soon the disappointed soldiers stood in the street empty handed. Tarleton was furious and swore a great oath, but the soldiers protested they had overlooked no nook or corner where a man might conceal himself. "'Tis a bootless errand, sir; unless, indeed, the man be in this house," said Tarleton, riding up to Joscelyn's door. "What say you, shall we search here also?" Upstairs Richard's heart stood still, while down below Joscelyn's head swam. Then her laugh rippled out mockingly. "Truly, your lordship, that is a reflection upon you and those of your gallant officers who have done me the honour to spend the evening under my roof! I pray you, gentlemen all, turn your pockets wrong side out that Colonel Tarleton may be sure you have not hidden his spy." "I jest not, mistress," answered Tarleton, who owed her a grudge in that she had manifested much personal dislike to himself. "What says your lordship?" Cornwallis started to reply, and then hesitated; whereupon Joscelyn broke in haughtily:-- "An your lordship doubts my loyalty, pray let the search proceed--the doors are open."