Aaron sat upon a sofa, and from the quick stir and mantling confusion upon Mrs. Blennerhassett's buxom face Theo was forced to suspect that until her entrance the lady had been nestling exceeding close. Aaron, perfectly composed, favored his daughter with the faintest quick droop of the right eyelid. Theo fled, murmuring apology.

Later, when she and Aaron were alone, he referred to the matter at once. 'Perhaps, my dear girl, it would be as well if you knocked before precipitating yourself through closed doors, don't you think?'

'I'm sorry,' she stammered. 'But I had no idea—and Father, really——'

She was so accustomed to his charm for women that she never thought about it. She knew vaguely that he often indulged in amatory adventures, though he seldom allowed any of these to intrude on her notice. An affair with their hostess, however, under the circumstances seemed a bit dismaying.

Aaron laughed. 'Don't be prudish, my dear, and pray do me the honor to believe that I know what I am about. If a few kisses can please the ladies and bind their loyalty to our cause, I see no reason to deny them. There is, to put it vulgarly, more than one way of killing the cat.'

He looked at her with such a blend of affection and puckish humor that she ended by laughing with him; and then forgot the matter. In any event she made no more embarrassing discoveries.

The days slipped pleasantly by. Theo ignored peremptory letters from Joseph, demanding to know what she was doing and when she would return. She missed the baby, missed him achingly, but she knew that he was safe with Eleanore, and surely it would not be long now before she could send for him.

The tension and bustle on the island, meantime, increased to fever point. Fifteen large batteaux were being built. Mrs. Blennerhassett, aided by Theo, directed the purchase and temporary storage of vast quantities of flour and pork and meal. Kilns were built for the drying of corn. The island resounded with the din of preparation.

Down at Natchez boats were building, too. At a given signal, when the flotillas should be ready, they would converge—the glorious offensive would begin by water, while General Wilkinson would start the land march at the head of his troops.

' When will it be, Father?' asked Theo, seizing upon a rare opportunity for private conversation.

'The instant we declare war on Spain, or she on us.'

'Are you certain that there will be war?' How could he be so calm, so contained?

'I am quite certain, my anxious one,' he answered, smiling.

' But if there shouldn't be?'