"The girl is here, take her," she said. "But the boy--ah, mon Colonel, you must not take him yet. He is not able to go. Besides, let me but have him a short time longer and who knows but that a full fledged Confederate may be the result? He is not able to go. Leave him with me, Colonel, I beseech you. I will see the General myself." "No; take him," interposed Jeanne who feared that the Colonel might succumb to the lady's blandishments. "She wants to force him to her wish, and you don't want such soldiers, Colonel Peyton." "No," said the Colonel sternly. "We want no recruits made in such a manner, Madame Vance. Men, take your prisoner." "Minx," shrieked Madame, flying at Jeanne in a passion. "Is it thus you repay my kindness? Oh, I could kill you!" "She is our prisoner," said Colonel Peyton stepping before her. "You must not touch the girl, Madame." "I will report this indignity," cried Madame. "I will see General Pemberton. I do not lack influence, sir. You shall repent this." "As you like, Madame." The Colonel bowed gravely and, like the brave soldier that he was, remained with the lady while the men carried Dick out, followed by Jeanne and Mr. Huntsworth who had his arm around the girl protectingly. "Oh," cried the girl as they proceeded down the hill away from the place. "I am so glad that you came when you did. I fear that I could not have held out much longer." "Tell us what happened," suggested Mr. Huntsworth, and Jeanne did so. "I think I never saw such a tiger cat," remarked the old gentleman when she had finished. "There was a time there when I thought that she was going to tear you to pieces. I fear that you are not through with her, my little friend." "I will see General Pemberton," declared Colonel Peyton, "and prepare him for Madame's onslaught. Meantime, I have his permission for you and your brother to stay at sister Sally's until your brother fully recovers. But he is not at liberty, Jeanne, because he is a prisoner, you know." "Yes, I know," said Jeanne, "and I will not say a word against it. Better a prisoner of the Confederates than to be in the hands of such a woman. There will at least be some chance to exchange him. You don't dislike me any more, do you, Colonel Peyton? You won't care if Bob and I are friends, will you?" "No; you poor child! I have been sorry that I was so unkind to you. After all I was glad that you girls saved Frank. It would have broken my heart had he been shot. Ah!----" There was a rushing, whizzing sound and a huge mortar shell passed over them, and, burying itself in the side of the hill beyond, exploded with a great report. "What is it?" cried Jeanne affrightedly clinging to Mr. Huntsworth. "The Federals have begun to shell the city," said the Colonel calmly. "Their fleet has been gathering for several days. We have been expecting it." CHAPTER XXVIII THE SIEGE BEGINS