His evidence was not yet sufficient to ask for his arrest. It was sufficient to convince Jennie Barton whose loyalty to the South was so intense she would not walk on the same side of the street with Miss Van Lew. He rushed to the Barton house. Jennie saw before he spoke that he bore a message of tragic import. "What is it, Dick?" she asked under her breath. "Why do you look at me so?" "Jennie," he began seriously, "you are sure that you love the South?" "Don't ask me idiotic questions," she answered sternly; "what are you driving at?" "If I prove to you that the man to whom you have pledged your love is an impostor--" She lifted her head in a gesture of cold protest. "I thought we had settled that question." "But you must listen to me," he went on with calm persistence. "If I prove to you that this man is a Federal spy--" Jennie broke into a laugh. "I can't get mad at you--you're such a big clumsy goose--" "I said if I _prove_ it--" There was no mistaking the fact that he was in dead earnest. The girl's face went white and her eyes took on a hard glitter. "Now, Dick Welford, that you've said it--you've _got_ to prove it--" The Captain lifted his hand solemnly. "I'll prove it. You know Miss Van Lew, the old abolitionist on Church Hill?--" "I don't know that such a creature walks the earth." "You've heard of her?" "Yes." "You know that she is a traitor to her own people?" "I've heard it." The Captain paused and looked straight at her with searching gaze. "I just ran into Socola talking to this woman--" "Is that all?" "No." "What else?" "Yesterday I saw them pass each other on Main Street. Socola stooped and picked up something from the pavement--" "Something she dropped?" "I'm sure of it--" "But you didn't see her drop it?" "No--" "How can you be so absurd!" "You don't believe what I tell you?" "But it proves nothing--" "To me, it's as plain as day--" "Because you hate him. I'm ashamed of you, Dick." "Mark my words, I'll prove it before I'm through." "I'll give you the chance now--that's his knock on the front door--" "I'd rather not make my accusation to-day--" "You've made it to me." "You're a loyal Southern girl. I had the right to make it to you." The girl laughed. "And I'll demand of him an explanation--" Before he could protest Socola walked into the room and grasped Jennie's hand. "Captain Welford," she laughed, "has just accused you of hobnobbing with the enemy on the streets--what explanation can you offer?" "Need I explain?" he asked lightly. "Miss Van Lew _is_ a suspicious character." "That's my excuse, I fear. She is a character. I've been curious to know if she is really sane. I stopped her on the street and asked her a question. Is it forbidden in Richmond?" He spoke with easy convincing carelessness. Jennie smiled. "Captain Welford evidently thinks so--" "And you?" "I am quite satisfied with your explanation--" Dick took a step closer and faced his enemy.