"Have you any proofs, sir, that you are an officer of Maxwell's brigade?"
"Not here," and I glanced down at my rough clothing, "yet with a little delay that could be easily ascertained."
"On what service are you in the Jerseys?"
"Were you in Philadelphia, wearing British uniform three days ago?"
"If I should say no, it would be merely my word against Captain Grant--you would doubtless prefer to believe him."
Grant whispered in his ear, the Colonel listening quietly.
"I am informed that you have already acknowledged being concealed in this house yesterday."
"Did any one know of your presence here?"
"What!" in decided surprise. "Prisoner to whom?"
"I was captured by three men, dressed as Queen's Rangers, on a road some miles to the west. They made no explanation, although I have some reason to believe I was mistaken for another. I was held in a strong room in the basement overnight."
"You were not there when I searched the house," broke in Grant hoarsely.
"No," and I turned and smiled at him. "I had been brought upstairs before you arrived."
"Two of them, yes--a man called Peter, and an Irish fellow, with chin beard."
"What!" and Mortimer started forward. "Peter and Mike in uniform! This is beyond belief. Were they alone?"
"They were apparently under the orders of a young lieutenant--the same who had command of Delavan's advance guard. I was unable to distinguish the lad's face."
"Delavan's advance guard!" and the Colonel turned toward Grant. "What do you know about this, sir? Who was he?"
The Captain hesitated, shifting uneasily on his feet.
"I--I do not know, sir," he explained finally, driven to answer. "I merely had a glimpse of the boy when I first joined the column. I--I thought I recognized him, but was not sure."
The father sank back in his chair, breathing heavily.
"Eric here, making use of this house, and my servants," he muttered. "I can scarcely believe it true. Was--was he here yesterday morning when you came?"
There was a moment of silence, broken unexpectedly by the rustle of a dress. I turned in surprise, and saw Claire standing quietly in the doorway.
"Pardon me, gentlemen," she said softly, "but perhaps I can explain much of this mystery, and establish the identity of Major Lawrence."