"I did not see any, but Feliciane told me, and the rebel soldier also, that there was news of an attack to be made upon General Thompson. I am convinced that the intelligence was concealed in the false bottom of my basket. You remember where I carried the quinine, sir?" Then she told how her aunt had examined the basket and suggested its use. "Beyond doubt it carried the information," remarked Butler. "General Thompson with his men is just beyond our lines. I have known for some time that communication had been going on between the citizens and the soldiers, and have been keeping a sharp lookout. Still they managed to elude my vigilance some way. The Vances are among the ring leaders. Why have you remained here so long?" he asked, suddenly. "Why have you not returned to your father?" "I have not heard from him," said Jeanne, her tears flowing afresh. "In all this long time I have not heard one word." "That is very strange!" The General looked thoughtful. "Of course in the vicinity surrounding us, and in all the country between here and Richmond the telegraphs and mails are in the hands of the Confederates. But a letter could come safely by the sea route. I am in communication with Washington continually. There must be something wrong. Have you written to him?" "Often and often. Uncle Ben mailed the letters for me. My aunt told me yesterday that they were going to take me home soon." "After hoodwinking you the way she has, do you believe it? There is something here that I do not understand. I believe that you are truthful, child, and have been victimized for some purpose. I will have to watch those people more closely." "But how could I consent to do what I have?" cried Jeanne. "Oh, I will never forgive myself." "Older ones than you might have been deceived," comforted the General. "I have read that 'under every flower there lurks a serpent'; and where there is so much sweetness and amiability there is ground for the suspicion that the reptile will sooner or later make his appearance. You must guard against such seductive measures, my child. They are more to be feared than the most violent opposition. Your uncle has a great deal of property, has he not?" "Why, yes," said Jeanne. "But do you know, General, that the queer part of it is that he has given it all to me?" "Ha, ha!" roared the General. "Another attempt to evade the Confiscation Act, eh? And you did not know the reason?" "My aunt said that you would take it from them because they were rebels, and that as I was a Unionist you would not touch it if it were mine." "I think that I'll make that a boomerang that shall rebound on their own heads," remarked the General with a twinkle in his eye. "Now, child, what are you going to do?" "I do not know, sir. I wish I could go home." "Would you feel very badly if I sent you back to your uncle's?"