Flint believed her to be connected in some way with the coming
of the disturbing note, which was why he compelled her detention at the
guard-house. Under Webb's _regime_ she would have been questioned by
Hay, or some one of his household. Under Flint, no one of Hay's family
or retainers could be allowed to see her. He regarded it as most
significant that her shrillest screams and fiercest resistance should
have been reserved until just as her guardians were bearing her past the
trader's house. She had the little light prison room to herself all that
wintry morning, and there, disdainful of bunk or chair, enveloped in her
blanket, she squatted disconsolate, greeting all questioners with
defiant and fearless shruggings and inarticulate protest. Not a syllable
of explanation, not a shred of news could their best endeavors wring
from her. Yet her glittering eyes were surely in search of some one, for
she looked up eagerly every time the door was opened, and Flint was just
beginning to think he would have to send for Mrs. Hay when the couriers
came with their stirring news and he had to drop other affairs in order
to forward this important matter to headquarters.
Once again, it seems, Trooper Kennedy had been entrusted with
distinguished duty, for it was he who came trotting foremost up the
road, waving his despatch on high.
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