“And why should all men not be soldiers?” said the girl excitedly. “If a woman might carry arms--but this is wild talk, and you know I do not mean it. What news is there to-day?” “Nothing of much importance: the enemy have hardly fired a shot, but I hear there is talk of an expedition to-night, I know not whither. As for the ships, they have not been seen since Thursday, but the wind is from the north and they may be here to-morrow.” “If Colonel Kirke should be another traitor?” Dorothy said; “one hardly knows whom to trust.” “I hope,” Gervase answered, “you will never find me false.” “I do not think I shall, and that is why I sent for you to-day. Will you come with me into the garden, for we may be interrupted here.” Gervase followed her out through the open window and down the path, wondering what confidence she was about to impose in him that required to be so carefully guarded. They came to a little, open space of smooth lawn where she stopped short and looked round her cautiously. “I have thought much of this,” she said, “and I know no one but yourself to whom I can look for advice. I thought, indeed, of Captain Macpherson, but I did not know how he might act, and was afraid to trust him. What I am going to say I speak to yourself alone, and must be whispered to no other till you have my permission. Will you promise that?” Gervase consented, hardly knowing what he promised, but seeing only the look of entreaty in her eyes. “No matter what you feel to be your duty?” “If it does not touch my honour nor the safety of the city.” “Then I cannot tell you, for I do not know. Surely,” she went on pleadingly, “you can trust me, Gervase Orme? I stand alone and have none to counsel me, and--and I thought you were my friend. Surely you can trust me?” “Every drop of blood in my veins is at your service, and though it may be weak and wrong and we may both regret it, I promise.” [Illustration: “SHE STOPPED SHORT AND LOOKED ROUND HER CAUTIOUSLY”] She smiled a little sadly, and said with a touch of her old humour, “I had rather you had not promised, but you cannot go back on your word now. Do you think,” she said, putting her hand to her breast and looking round her, “do you think there are traitors in the city?” “Indeed I think there are,” Gervase answered, “but we watch them narrowly and they do little harm. They would stir up rebellion if they might, but the Town-Major keeps them well in hand.” “But I mean more than that. Do you think there are any in the city who hold communication with the enemy?” “It may be there are, but I hardly see how they could carry out their treachery. The walls are strictly guarded, and the men on the outposts are faithful and true; it were a bold thing to attempt it.” “Then tell me what you think of this.” Putting her hand into her bosom, she drew out a small scroll of paper and placed it in his hands. Gervase looked at her in amazement. “Read it, and tell me what you think of it.”