"It sounds all right, little girl. The only flaw lies in the fact that Vicksburg is not ours. If it were then the matter could be easily arranged." "Don't you think that it will be ours soon, father?" "Yes, indeed," replied Mr. Vance with conviction. "With Farragut and Porter on the river and this new man Grant who is making such a record in charge of the land forces it will not be long before Vicksburg will share the fate of Forts Henry and Donelson and Island No. 10. Indeed," added he, for Mr. Vance in common with many others held the view that the war could not be of long duration, "I feel sure that McClellan will soon enter Richmond and that will virtually close the war. It is only a question of days now before we shall see the end of this rebellion. The administration is of the same opinion, because it has ceased to enlist men for the army." "Then, father, it seems to me that there would be no risk in performing this service for you. I feel sure that I could carry your papers safely to New Orleans. It is not as if the country all belonged to the rebels. There would be only one place to pass that is theirs: Vicksburg. I know that our men can easily go by one place," she added confidently. "Your manner of taking hold of the matter almost persuades me to let you try it, Jeanne," and Mr. Vance regarded his daughter with a new light in his eyes. "Do," said Jeanne as calmly as she could, realizing that if she would carry her point she must be very matter-of-fact. "You see, father, no one would suspect a girl of carrying papers." "I don't know but that you are right, Jeanne. Still, I would not consider the thing for an instant if my need were not so great. Should the papers fall into the rebels' hands, not only would they secure important information but they would also get the names of men whose death would pay the penalty of discovery." "I understand," said the girl gravely. "But the rebels shall never get them, father. I will destroy them first. They must be concealed about my clothing in such a manner that even if I were searched they could not be discovered. Not that I think that I shall be," she added hastily as a look of alarm flitted over her father's face, "but it is just as well to be prepared for emergencies." "What are you two plotting?" asked Mrs. Vance entering the room. "You have been talking so earnestly that I thought that you were settling the affairs of the nation." "We have been," answered Jeanne gaily. "I am going to New Orleans on business for father." "Oh, Richard," came from Mrs. Vance in a wailing cry. "Not my girl too! I have given my boy! Leave me my daughter." "Mother!" Jeanne sprang to her outstretched arms where she was folded close to the mother's heart. "You don't understand. There is no danger. Who would harm a girl like me?"