"She shall not go, Dora, if you do not consent," spoke Mr. Vance comfortingly. "My need for a messenger was so urgent that I spoke of it before Jeanne, and the little witch has beguiled me into thinking that she is the very one for the business." "Why of course I am," cried Jeanne in decided tones. "Let's sit down and talk it over." "I don't like it," said Mrs. Vance after the matter had been explained. "I am afraid that something will happen to you." "But, mother, what could happen? Even if I were to fall into the hands of the Confederates what could they do to me? Men don't make war on girls." "I know that the Southern people are counted chivalrous," answered Mrs. Vance, "but soldiers are usually rough fellows, and I would not like you to be brought into contact with them even though they were our own boys." "Dick is a soldier, and he isn't a bit rough. They are all somebody's sons, mother. I thought that you liked soldiers." "I do," assented Mrs. Vance wearily, "but I don't like the thought of sending you where there is a chance of fighting. No one knows what might happen." "Dick has to take a great many chances, and why should not I risk a little for my country? Wouldn't you be willing to give your life for it, mother?" "Yes; but----" began the mother. "And I am your child," cried Jeanne, kissing her. "I can't help it, mother. It's in the blood, and blood will tell, you know. Haven't I heard you and father many a time relate what great things our ancestors did in the Revolution? Well, you really can't expect anything else from their descendants." "I suppose not," and Mrs. Vance stifled a sigh. "If it really would help you, Richard." "It really would, Dora. If Jeanne can carry these papers to New Orleans she is not only worth her weight in gold but she will do the government a great service. She is energetic, resourceful and self-reliant. I believe that she can get through without injury to herself or I should not consider the thing a moment. As she says, why should harm come to a girl? She would not be suspected where older people would be subjected to the most searching scrutiny. The more that I think of it, the more favorably does the idea strike me." "Then I must consent," Mrs. Vance smiled faintly though her face was very white. "My country demands much of me, Richard." "It does, Dora. But please God when this rebellion is put down we shall have such peace as the country has never enjoyed. Let us hope for the best, dear." "When do I start, father?" broke in Jeanne. "I think to-morrow night. The sooner the better. I will see about your transportation in the morning, and try to arrange to send you straight through. Now, little girl, you must say good-night because we must be up bright and early. There is a great deal to be done to-morrow." "Good-night," said Jeanne obediently, and kissing each tenderly she retired to her room. CHAPTER III STARTING FOR DIXIE