"Truly?" she cried, sitting bolt upright. Her wonder and amaze were such that none could doubt her sincerity. "Why, they did not tell me about that. Truly, truly, Cousin David, I knew naught about that." Was there the slightest emphasis on the "that"? Peggy asked the question of herself almost unconsciously. She glanced at the others. The faces of her father and Robert Dale were glowing with relief and satisfaction. Clifford's belligerent attitude had relaxed slightly at his sister's declaration. John Drayton's glance alone met hers with understanding. "I believe thee, lass," cried Mr. Owen heartily. "Robert here would have it that thee knew naught of the matter. Thee understands that 'twas my duty to probe the affair." "Why, it's all right, Cousin David," she returned sweetly. "You had to do your duty, of course, and there's no harm done. And I thank you, Major Dale, for your belief in me. I shall never forget it." The tears came into her lovely eyes as she spoke, making them lovelier than ever. "I knew that you would not be guilty of such a thing," exclaimed Robert Dale fervently. "And now let's go home for dinner, and forget all about this little unpleasantness," exclaimed Mr. Owen. "Clifford, lad, we can't leave thee here. My wife will not forgive us if we do so." Again Clifford's lips set in an obstinate line, but Drayton spoke quickly: "Captain Williams, I know how it irks you to be obliged to give me your parole; so, if you will go with Mr. Owen, or the major here, to General Hazen, he will receive your parole." For a moment Clifford struggled with himself. Then he said, and the effort it cost him was plainly visible: "I can be as generous as you, sir. I give you my word of honor that I will make no attempt to escape while I am at large." "Thank you," said Drayton simply. "You are at liberty to go with your relatives, sir." Peggy lingered for a second behind the others. "Isn't thee coming too, John?" she asked. "Not to-day, Peggy. Clifford will enjoy it more if I am not there. Odds life! he did well to give that parole. He deserves to have one day free of me. But, Peggy, I'll come out to-night, if I may. And don't worry about that wagon. I'll take it in hand while your father is not here." "Was there anything else contraband in the wagon, John?" she queried anxiously that evening when the two found themselves alone on the piazza. "Yes. The quartermaster was about to turn it over to Major Gordon when I told him I would take another look through the contents. Peggy, in a barrel of vinegar was a water tight cask just filled with goods. That slight emphasis on 'that' lost the British a pretty penny. I was alone when 'twas found, Peggy, so that no one knows about it but us two. We won't let your father, her brother, or Dale know about it. They all believe in her so, and I owe her something for what she did for me at Yorktown."