"I was a prisoner," answered Dick, speaking for himself. "I had escaped and when I knew that my sister was in the hands of you fellows I waited to take her away." And Dick awaited the effect of his bold declaration anxiously for he was uneasy for his sister. "I don't know what to do with you," said the provost again. "Let me go with Dick," pleaded Jeanne eagerly. "He is wounded as you see, sir, and needs care and attention. Please let me go with him. I won't be a bit of trouble." "I don't know but that that will be the best way out of the difficulty," remarked the officer musingly. "At least until I can investigate further. What was the name of your uncle?" "Vance, sir. Benjamin Vance.". "Benjamin Vance!" exclaimed the officer in amazement. "He is well-known in Vicksburg. Why, he and his wife are here now visiting relatives. I will send for him at once." "What!" cried Jeanne. "Uncle Ben here?" "Right here," responded the other. "Orderly, will you send word to the La Chaise manor that I would like Mr. Vance to come here?" The Orderly saluted and left the room. The provost turned his attention to other matters while Dick and Jeanne waited with beating hearts the return of the man. In about an hour's time the Orderly returned and with him came the well-known form of Mr. Vance. Behind him, her silken skirts rustling, her face wreathed in smiles, her manner full of smirks and graces, walked Madame Vance. CHAPTER XXV MADAME AGAIN "You dear child," cried Madame embracing Jeanne rapturously. "You cannot imagine how desolate I have been at losing you. I was frantic when I learned you were left behind. We went back for you, but you had gone. Ma foi! You should have waited for our return." "Your story being so amiably verified," said the provost beaming upon the girl, "I am happy to say there is no reason why you should not return to your relatives. I am charmed to have assisted in reuniting you to your honored family." "We will never forget it," said the lady sweetly. "If we are ever so fortunate as to have the opportunity to repay the obligation, rest assured that we will gladly use it. My sweet child, is this your brother? The Orderly spoke of him as we came down." "Yes," said Jeanne hesitatingly. She was not at all pleased at the turn affairs had taken, and did not relish the idea of being once more in the hands of Madame. "Yes, this is Dick, Uncle Ben. You know that he bears your name also: Richard Benjamin Vance." She drew near Dick as she spoke, standing between Madame and her brother, and addressing herself to her uncle only. "Richard, I am glad to see you," said Mr. Vance, seizing the boy's hand and speaking so heartily that Dick was bewildered. "A prisoner, they tell me. Come! this won't do. We must have you with us for Clarisse to take care of. She is a fine nurse!"