Then, far on the western hills lightning glimmered; and after a long while it thundered.

“Do you wish me to find this Sagamore for you?” she asked very quietly.

“Will you do so?”

A drop of rain fell; another, which struck her just where the cheek curved under the long black lashes, fringing them with brilliancy like tears.

“Where do you lodge?” she asked, after a silent scrutiny of me.

“This night I am a guest at Major Lockwood’s. Tomorrow I travel north again with my comrade, Lieutenant Boyd.”

She was looking steadily at me all the time; finally she said:

“Somehow, I believe you to be a friend to liberty. I know it —