“Arrest me!”

“In the name of the United States.”

“For what offence?”

“Treason.”

Arthur remained for a while silent with astonishment.  At last, as the marshal arose and took his hat, he said: 

“I cannot conceive what act or word of mine can be construed as treasonable.  There is some mistake, surely; I am a quiet man, a stranger in the city, and have conversed with but one or two persons since my arrival.  Explain to me, if you please, the particular nature of the charge against me.”

“It is not my province, at this moment, to do so, Mr. Wayne.  It is sufficient that, upon information lodged with me last evening, and forwarded to Washington by telegraph, I received from the Secretary of War orders for your immediate arrest, should I find the information true.  I have found it true, and I arrest you.”

“Surely, nothing in that letter can be so misconstrued as to implicate me.”

“Mr. Wayne, this prevarication is as useless as it is unseemly.  You know that the letter is sufficient warrant for my proceeding.  My carriage is at the door.  I trust you will accompany me without further delay.”

“Sir, I was about to proceed, when you entered, upon an errand that involves the safety and happiness of the young lady mentioned in that letter.  The letter itself will inform you of the circumstance, and I assure you, events are in progress that require my immediate action.  You will at least allow me to visit the party?”

The marshal looked at him with surprise.

“What party?”

“The lady of whom my friend makes mention.”

“I do not understand you.  I can only conceive that, for some purpose of your own, you are anxious to gain time.  I must request you to accompany me at once to the carriage.”

“You will permit me at least to send a, letter—­a word—­a warning?”

“That your accomplice may receive information?  Assuredly not.”

“Be yourself the messenger—­or send”——­

“This subterfuge is idle.”  He opened the door and stood beside it.  “I must request your company to the carriage.”

Arthur’s cheek flushed for a moment with anger.

“This severity,” he said, “is ridiculous and unjust.  I tell you, you and those for whom you act will be accountable for a great crime—­for innocence betrayed—­for a young life made desolate—­for perhaps a dishonored grave.  I plead not for myself, but for one helpless and pure, who at this hour may be the victim of a villain’s plot.  In the name of humanity, I entreat you give me but time to avert the calamity, and I will follow you without remonstrance.  Go with me yourself.  Be present at the interview.  Of what consequence to you will be an hour’s delay?”

“It may be of much consequence to those who are in league with you.  I cannot grant your request.  You must come with me, sir, or I shall be obliged to call for assistance,” and he drew a pair of handcuffs from his pocket.