The former explained the situation briefly, while the commandant leaned back in his chair, his keen eyes studying the younger man.
"Very well, Captain Kane," he said shortly, as the officer's story ended.

"We shall have to examine into this, of course, but will probably discover the whole affair a false alarm.

There is, at present, no necessity for alarming any others.

Sergeant, kindly explain to me why Miss McDonald should have come to you in her distress ?" Hamlin stepped forward, and told the story again in detail, answering the Colonel's questions frankly.
"This, then, was the only time you have met since your arrival ?" "Yes, sir." "And this Mrs.Dupont?
You have had a previous acquaintance with her ?" "Some years ago." "You consider her a dangerous woman ?" "I know her to be utterly unscrupulous, sir.

I am prepared to state that she is here under false pretences, claiming to be a niece of Major McDonald's.