She had clear forgotten to invite the sergeant into the room, so absorbed was she in the nature of the business at hand. Expectancy breeds cowardice. When great issues are at stake every act wears an awful meaning. For this reason she stood transfixed at the threshold, before this unexpected arrival, whom she associated with the image of Stephen. With the sudden and delightful lessening of her anxiety, however, she bethought herself. "Won't you come in? It was stupid of me not to have asked you before." The sergeant acted promptly. Marjorie followed at a little distance, but had no sooner entered the room herself than her father came through the other door. "What news? Arnold?" "Found guilty," was the response. "The court-martial has come to an end?" asked the girl. "Yes, Miss. And he has been found guilty," he repeated. "I thought so," muttered Mr. Allison. They were seated now in the parlor, the two men at opposite ends of the table, the girl at the side of the room. "They met at Morristown?" asked Mr. Allison. "Yes. At Norris' Tavern. Major-General Howe was chairman of the court. Only four charges were pressed for trial: the matter of the pass; the affair of the wagons; the shops; and the imposition upon the militia." "And Arnold?" "He managed his own trial, and conducted his own cross-examination. He made an imposing spectacle as he limped before the court. The sword knots of Washington were about his waist and he took pains to allude to them several times during the defense. It was astonishing to hear his remarkable flow of language and his display of knowledge of military law. He created a wonderful impression." "He was found guilty, you say?" interposed Mr. Allison. "Technically guilty of one charge and imprudent in another," was the deliberate reply. "And sentenced?" "To receive a reprimand from the Commander-in-chief." Mr. Allison assented by a move of his head. "How did he take it?" he then asked. "I cannot imagine his proud nature to yield readily to rebuke." The visitor thought for a moment. "His face was ashen pale; there was a haggard look upon it; the eyes were marked with deep circles and his step faltered as he turned on his heel and, without a word, made his way from the court room." "Were you present at the trial?" Marjorie inquired. "Yes, Miss Allison." "Was Stephen?" "No." The sergeant answered mildly, smiling as he did so. Marjorie smiled, too. "Tell me," Mr. Allison asked. "Was the evidence conclusive?" "The _Isis_ occupied the court to some length. It was contended that General Arnold had issued the pass with evil intent. The affair of the regiment was referred to in connection with this, but no great stress was brought to bear upon it because of the fear of arousing a possible prejudice in the minds of the court. That fact was introduced solely as a motive." Allison shook his head again.