At least these two, apparently ignorant of their guest's true character, should be warned, or, if that was impossible, protected from imposture.

Their open friendliness and social endorsement were the woman's stock in trade at Dodge, and whatever the final _denouement_ might be, McDonald and his daughter would inevitably share in the ensuing disgrace of discovery.

Even if they were not also victimized, they would be held largely responsible for the losses of others.

Had Hamlin been a commissioned officer he would have known what to do--his plain duty as a friend would have taken form in a frankly spoken warning.

But, as it was, the chains of discipline, of social rank, made it seemingly impossible for him to approach either the Major or his daughter openly.