“And how shall your word be believed when you think nothing of breaking it?” he questioned. “You promised your cousin, it seems; you also promised me that you would not hold communication with the enemy without first consulting me. We cannot trust you. Beside, the letter was returned with this warning from His Excellency, General Washington: “’Gentlemen of the Council: “‘Permit no communication whatever between the writer of this letter and the enemy. Young as she is, she hath already shown herself very adept as a spy.’” “What, what are you going to do to them?” asked the girl, in consternation. “In very truth, sir, they had naught to do with the matter.” “We know it,” he made answer. “And yet, despite past services, despite the fact that David is in the field, there were some who whispered against them. The purest patriots in times like these are subjected to suspicion by the least untoward action. A year ago who would have thought that General Arnold would try to betray his country? I, myself, have been approached with offers from an emissary of the king. Because Mrs. Owen and her daughter are so well known for patriotic services, because we know them to be persons of high honor and unquestioned integrity, we have permitted no reflection upon them. But this state of things will not continue if you are allowed to remain with them. Therefore, we have decided that your punishment shall be——” “What?” she cried anxiously. “Oh, I pray ’tis not arrest.” “Wait,” he said. “The arrest was thought of, but the council consented to give it o’er on condition that you withdraw immediately into the enemy’s lines. In short, mistress, you are to be sent to New York.” “Banished to New York?” she repeated in amazement. “Why, that is where I want to be. Good sir,” sweeping him an elaborate courtesy, “I thank you and the excellent gentlemen of the council. The punishment is most agreeable to my liking.” “And to ours,” he answered her sternly, offended by her levity. “Be ready, therefore, to go to-morrow morning. In company with a number of other women, Tories and wives of Tories guilty of the same misdemeanor as yourself, you will be sent under escort to the British. Mistress Owen, you have my sympathy and congratulation also that the matter is no worse. I will bid you all a very good day.” Harriet sank down on the settle as the door closed upon the gentleman, and looked expectantly at the other two. But neither Mrs. Owen nor Peggy spoke. The matron quietly resumed her sewing, while Peggy stared at her as though this new breach of trust was more than she could believe. “Say something, one of you,” cried the girl suddenly. “I’d rather you would be angry than to sit there like that.” “How could thee do it?” came from Peggy. “Oh, Harriet! doesn’t thee ever keep thy word?” “Well, I promised not to bring any harm upon you, and I didn’t; did I? Mr. Reed tried to scare us anent that, but he soon told the truth of the matter.”