“This looks rather queer to me, Hardy.  Has Le Gaire done something which will prevent my acting in his behalf?”

Hardy stroked his chin, and squared his shoulders.

“Captain Le Gaire made some reflections on my family, sir, which I resent.  I refused to act for him on that ground, but I know of no reason why you could not honorably serve.  I merely prefer to assist Galesworth.”

Bell hesitated, feeling, no doubt, there was something behind all this he did not comprehend.  It was also evident enough that he was no admirer of Le Gaire, the latter gazing at him without a word.

“Am I perfectly free to act?”

“Yes—­on parole of the grounds.”

“Very well, I accept; I presume my man Is the challenged party?”

Both Hardy and myself bowed.

“Then I will ask Captain Le Gaire to accompany me to the dining-room.  I shall return in a few moments.”

We watched them pass out, and then Hardy and I turned, and looked into each others’ faces.

CHAPTER XXIV

I BECOME A FAMOUS SWORDSMAN

“Sergeant,” I said shortly, “I think you can be of greater service in the hall.”

He disappeared reluctantly enough, and, as the door closed, I extended my hand to the major.

“I certainly appreciate your assistance,” I began warmly.  “I know very little about these affairs, or how they are conducted.”

He took my hand, yet with no great cordiality, plainly enough already somewhat doubtful as to his course.

“I presumed as much, sir, but first, and before we proceed further, I should like to have some explanation of the trouble between you and Le Gaire.  You are doubtless aware that I am the father of Willifred Hardy.”

“Yes, Major, and I am perfectly willing to tell you the whole story.  Shall I send for Miss Hardy to corroborate whatever I may say?”

“No, sir.  You are a Yankee, but a gentleman, and I accept your word.  I prefer Billie should know nothing of what is occurring.”

I told it swiftly from the beginning, yet was careful to leave no impression that she had performed anything more than a mere friendly service to an enemy in danger.  Even then it was difficult for the Confederate to appreciate fully the girl’s motives, and his face clearly expressed disapproval.  As I came to an end, after telling of her effort to gain his release, and my locking her within her own room, he paced back and forth across the floor, scowling down at the carpet.

“By Gad, you tell the story all right,” he exclaimed, “but that doesn’t seem like Billie; whatever got into the girl to make her do a trick like that?”

“You mean helping me?”

“Yes, against Le Gaire.  I can understand how she took you through to Jonesboro; that was necessary.  But all the rest is a puzzle.  Did you know she was engaged to Captain Le Gaire?”