"Feliciane," exclaimed a voice joyfully. "You are a jewel. Have you anything for us? Who is with you?" "Yes, sah; heah in dis basket missus sent. It's all erbout a 'tack what de Yanks is a-gwine ter make on you folks. Missus kum moughty nigh bein' kotched de las' time, an' so she sent de lill' missy with me." "Well, here are some letters. You won't be more than able to get back by daylight. Are you too tired to make it to-night, Feliciane?" "No, sah. Missus 'spects me ter do it." "Well, good-bye. Thank your mistress for us, and tell her the boys in gray will soon drive the Yankees out of the city, and she won't have this to do much longer." "I'll tell huh, sah." Jeanne still silent went back to the boat. Every hope that she had held that there was really a wounded brother of Madame's had died during the interview, and the lady was meeting with that fierce arraignment in the mind of the girl that youth always gives when for the first time the mask of hypocrisy is torn from a loved face. The dawn was streaking the gray sky with crimson when they reached the city again. The rain had ceased and the stormy night was to be succeeded by a fair day. Jeanne's face showed white and stern in the gray of the morning as she walked slowly by the black's side. Her lips were compressed together in a straight line for she had determined that Madame Vance should render an account of her duplicity to her. Presently Feliciane uttered an exclamation of alarm, and thrust the package that the rebel had given her into Jeanne's hands. "Run, missy, run," she cried. "De Yanks am a-kumin'." Involuntarily the girl quickened her steps, but she had gone but a short distance when she was caught by the shoulder, and brought to a standstill. "You are under arrest," said the gruff voice of a soldier. "Give me that package you have." CHAPTER XV BEFORE GENERAL BUTLER AGAIN Jeanne handed the package to the soldier without a word. The man took it and then said in a harsh manner: "Follow me. It seems to me that you are beginning mighty young." Still silent the girl trudged wearily along beside him. She was very tired and the way to the Custom-House was long. But she uttered no complaint. Far bitterer to bear than fatigue was the thought that she, Jeanne Vance, had carried information to the enemies of her country. The Custom-House where General Butler had established his permanent official headquarters was finally reached, and she was conducted through the court-room where Major Bell was dispensing justice to a smaller room adjoining the office of the Commander. A number of persons were in the apartment awaiting the coming of the General. "Has the General come in yet?" asked her captor of an Orderly. "No; but we expect him every moment. Is it anything of importance?"