"I think so. I captured a young girl who has been beyond the lines, and has returned with a package of letters from the Johnnies. The other boys gave chase to the negro woman who was with her, but this is the main one, I guess. I think the General ought to see the letters immediately." "By all means. I will tell him as soon as he comes, so that he will attend to you at once. There are a number waiting this morning." Faint and weary Jeanne sank into the seat assigned her, and waited apathetically the summons which were to lead her to the General's presence. It came soon and she was led into the office where the General sat behind a long table on which lay a pistol. This was the man's sole precaution against assassination, and was used only after the discovery of one or two plots to kill him. There were several of his staff with him in the room, but the girl saw only the stern face of the Commander. He gave a start of surprise as his eyes fell upon her. "You?" he exclaimed. "Are you the girl who has been caught bringing contraband letters into the city? Child, child, I am surprised." Jeanne's lips quivered and she turned very pale, but she only said: "Yes, sir; I did it." "And you are the girl who professed such devotion to the cause of your country? You, who carried the flag upon your person, and kissed it to show your patriotism? I am more than surprised! I am grieved!" "Don't," exclaimed Jeanne, her utterance choked with sobs. "Oh, sir, I do love my country, but I am not worthy to carry its flag any longer. Take it." She drew the flag from her dress and laid it before him. Her distress was so evident, so real that General Butler's glance softened. "If you feel like that," he said not unkindly, "perhaps you will tell me the truth about the matter." "Gladly," cried Jeanne eagerly. "I will tell you anything that you ask." "These letters prove that there has been communication exchanged before. Have you ever been on a like expedition?" "No, sir; I do not know that you will believe me when I say that I did not know what I was doing when I went on this errand. But I did not. I would rather have died than to have given aid to the enemies of the Union; and yet I did it." "Suppose you tell me just how it happened," suggested the General. "I will gladly hear any extenuating circumstances that you may give, for I am loth to believe that you are guilty of treachery." With many tears Jeanne related her story. "I can never forgive myself," she concluded mournfully. "I deserve to be punished." "What was in the basket that you carried over?" "There was some medicine, quinine, I think, jellies, and other delicacies." "There were no documents of any kind? Think well, child."