The young officer bowed; the governor tramped to the door and went out, followed by his staff.  Grau left the room last, with hang-dog look, and Patsy slammed the door in the hope of bumping his wooden head.

“So we’re free?” she said, turning to von Holtz.

“Not only that, Fraulein, but you are highly favored,” he replied.  “All German territory is now open to you.”

“It’s about time they came to their senses,” remarked Uncle John, with a return to his accustomed cheerfulness.

“And, best of all,” said Patsy exultantly, “they’ve fired that awful colonel!”

The captain thoughtfully filled and lighted his pipe.

“I wonder,” said he, “how that happened.  Was it the council, do you think, Lieutenant?”

Von Holtz shook his head.

“I think it was the governor,” he replied.  “He is a just man, and had you been able to see him personally on your arrival you would have been spared any annoyance.”

“Perhaps,” said Patsy doubtfully.  “But your governor’s a regular bear.”

“I believe that is merely his way,” asserted Uncle John.  “I didn’t mind the man’s tone when I found his words and deeds were all right.  But he—­”

Another rap at the door.  Patsy opened it and admitted Henderson.  He saluted the captain, bowed to the others and said: 

“We’ve got her, sir.”

“Mrs. Denton?” cried Patsy, delightedly.

Henderson nodded.

“Yes, Miss Doyle; Mrs. Denton and the children.”

“The children!  Why, there aren’t any.”

“I beg your pardon, Miss; there are two.”

“Two children!” she exclaimed in dismay.  “There must be some mistake.  The young people have only been married five months.”

Henderson stood stiff as a poker, refusing to argue the point.

“A governess, maybe,” suggested the captain.

“More likely,” said Uncle John, “young Denton married a widow, with—­eh—­eh—­incumbrances.”

“That’s it, sir,” said Henderson earnestly.

“What’s it?”

“The incumbrances, sir.  No other word could describe ’em.”

Patsy’s heart sank; she was greatly disappointed.

“And she so young and pretty!” she murmured.

Henderson started to smile, but quickly suppressed it.

“Shall I show them up, Miss?” he inquired.

“Of course,” answered Uncle John, as the girl hesitated.  “You should have brought her to us at once.  Where is that Belgian—­Rondel?”

“He is guarding the woman, sir.”

“Guarding her!”

“She’s a little difficult to manage, sir, at times.  She left Charleroi willingly enough, but she’s tricky, and it is our duty to deliver her to you safely.”

“Get her at once, Henderson,” exclaimed Patsy, recovering her wits; “and the dear children, too.”

Presently there was a sound of shuffling on the stairs and through the corridor.  The door opened to admit the arrivals from Charleroi.