For it must have been that I had some good reason in my mind.

“Why, yes,” I said, scarce knowing why, “I have further use for you. Tarry for a moment and I shall return. And,” I added mentally, “by that time I shall have discovered the reason.”

She said nothing; I hastened back to the house, where even from the outside I could hear the loud voice of Sheldon vowing that if what this Indian said were true, the cavalry he had discovered at North Castle must be Moylan’s and no other.

I entered and listened a moment to Major Lockwood, urging this obstinate man to send out his patrols; then I walked over to the window where Boyd stood in whispered consultation with an Indian.