"Don't make a fool of yourself, Martha," came from the colonel, in a lower tone. "Stop, I say," went on Artie, and placed the muzzle of the gun within two feet of the negro driver's head. Without delay Joe drew up, and the carriage came to a stop. "Go ahead! Don't stop!" screamed Mrs. Bradner, more unreasonable than ever. "Madam, you had best keep quiet," said Captain Fordick. "We know what you and your husband have been doing to Captain Lyon, and you can both consider yourselves under military arrest." "Under arrest!" gasped the lady. "How dare you speak to me in this insulting fashion!" "I dare by the authority of the United States. You will please keep quiet while the negro drives you back to the house." "I won't keep quiet! I'll--" "Oh, Martha, shut up!" broke in the colonel. "You'll only make matters worse." "What, Dick Bradner, do you turn against me?" was the indignant query. "Have you no backbone left to stand up against these--these vile Northern mudsills?" "If you don't keep quiet I'll have you bound and gagged, Madam," said Captain Fordick, after whispering to Artie. "You won't do--" "Yes, I will. Cameron and Waltling, advance and bind this woman. If she says another word, gag her." For one moment the lady of the plantation glared at the speaker. Then her courage gave way, and she sank back and burst into tears. "Oh, please--please don't touch me!" she moaned. "I'll--I'll keep quiet--I didn't mean anything by what I said." "Very well then--see you remain silent." The captain of the mounted infantry turned to the negro driver. "Turn back to where you came from, and lose no time in driving." "Yes, Mars'r Ossifer!" replied Joe, promptly, and there was a grin on his ebony face, as though he rather enjoyed the discomfiture of his mistress. With roads so bad, it was hard work to get the closed carriage back to the mansion, and once it looked as if the turnout would have to be abandoned in the mud. But the trip was finally concluded, and the colonel and his downcast spouse were marched into the sitting room. "Now, Colonel Bradner, the boot is on the other leg," remarked Artie, and it must be confessed the young captain could not help smiling. "How do you like the situation?" "I don't like it," grumbled the crippled advocate of the Southern cause. "But I have sense enough not to kick;" with a significant glance at his wife. "Dick Bradner, if we ever--" began Mrs. Bradner, when a look from Captain Fordick silenced her. All three of the Union captains now questioned Bradner concerning Gossley's return. "He won't be back--he has gone to join Bragg," said the colonel, before his wife could speak. "He will be back--to punish you all," burst out Mrs. Bradner, and then covered her face with her hands, as she realized the mistake she had made. "Oh, what have I done now?" she wailed. "Made a fool of yourself again," answered the colonel, bluntly. "That speech may cost Dan his life."