A snarl curled Captain Brito’s lips, and his breath quickened a little. “Damnation!” he began. Then he caught himself up. Jack’s eyes were chill, and the captain apparently decided that compliance would quickest gain his ends. “I am Captain Count Telfair,” he said, “of His Majesty’s Forty-First Foot. Now, sir, your news!” He drew out a purse. “You will be well paid for it,” he finished contemptuously. Jack paid no attention to the last words. His flush had faded and his cheeks were very white. “I am Jaqueline Telfair, of Alabama,” he said, deliberately; “and I demand to know the errand that brings a British officer into American territory at this time.” Captain Brito’s eyes widened with astonishment. “Well! I’m cursed,” he gasped. Then, with a sudden change of tone, he went on: “Can it be possible that I have chanced upon my American cousin? Yes! Yes! Now that you tell me, I do see the family features. We have ever run close to type, we Telfairs; even in America”--Captain Brito grunted--“you have kept the likeness. I’m glad to meet you, cousin!” He held out his hand. Jack took it. But his face did not lighten. “And I you,” he said courteously, but not enthusiastically. “As a kinsman I am glad to welcome you to America. But as an American I am obliged to repeat my question. What are you, a British officer, doing here in Ohio?” Captain Brito shrugged his shoulders. “Egad!” he said. “You are”--he paused; a startled expression came upon his face. “Has war been declared?” he demanded, eagerly. “Not that I know of!” Jack spoke coldly. “If it had been, I should be compelled to arrest you out of hand, cousin or no cousin.” Captain Brito laughed shortly, but Jack did not pause. “But it is well known that British emissaries are in this country trying to stir up the Indians to war against the whites. If you are one of those devils----” “You would feel it your duty to arrest me. Egad! Mr. Jaqueline Telfair, paragon of all the virtues, I almost wish I were one of those patriotic and self-sacrificing servants of His Majesty, so as to put your fine ideas of duty to the test. Unfortunately, I can claim no such honor. I am here on a private matter--By God!” Captain Brito broke off, staring. “Well, sir!” “Of course!” Captain Brito began to laugh softly. “Of course! I was a fool not to guess sooner. You are after the girl, the heiress! Well! Well! To think of it! You virtuous Americans seem to be as keen after the dollar as we ‘devils of Englishmen!’”