"That he could have gotten out of the town is impossible. My men ran him in from the west side, over the bridge of the Eno. The sentinels were at their posts upon the north, east, and south sides of the village; he could not have passed them without detection." Again he paused; and finding that something was expected of her she said, in a most matter-of-fact way, "I see." "Then the only conclusion to come to is, that he is still in the town. Well, now, every house in this vicinity, where he was last seen, has been thoroughly searched save yours. I have talked with Lord Cornwallis--" She stood up suddenly, with a dignity of movement that well-nigh disconcerted him. "I pray you, Colonel Tarleton, cut your explanation short." "Then in short, madam, I have here an order from his lordship to examine your house and premises." She stretched out her hand for the paper silently, imperiously. Barry had risen and come to her side. "You will see," Tarleton made haste to add, "that your own loyalty is not impugned. The paper states explicitly that it is not believed you have any knowledge of the man's whereabouts; but it is thought possible he may have concealed himself secretly in your house. I have spoken to his lordship, and--" "It were unnecessary to say so--I know full well, without the telling, who has so poisoned his lordship's mind against me. Every man, woman, and child in this community knows that I have never wavered in my allegiance to the king. I have been a target for Whig criticism, almost of persecution, because of that allegiance--and this is my reward!" she struck the paper sharply with her other hand. "Well, sir, I recognize the source!" she turned her eyes scornfully upon the man on the rug. Tarleton ground his teeth, but his private orders were to use the lady with all gentleness, and he knew how to obey--under provocation. He began some sullen disclaimer, but she broke in imperiously:-- "Enough, sir; such paltry excuses weary me. Let us to business." "You interpose no objection?" "None, sir. In this house the mandates of his majesty's representatives are obeyed. Let me see; is it your wish to begin upstairs? Very well. Perhaps these gentlemen will be kind enough to watch the stair; the flight below the landing comes down just at this door." "May I not come with you?" pleaded Barry, who was loath to have her out of his sight with the brusque colonel, lest some rude word be spoken to her,--a discourtesy he would have been hot to revenge even upon his superior officer.