Off went his hat: “Lady, fear not; We soldiers do what we deplore-- I must detain you till we march” The stranger nodded. Nettled now, He grew politer than before:-- “’Tis Mosby’s fault, this halt and search” The lady stiffened in her starch. “My duty, madam, bids me now Ask what may seem a little rude. Pardon--that veil--withdraw it, please (Corporal! make every man fall back); Pray, now I do but what I should; Bethink you, ’tis in masks like these That Mosby haunts the villages.” Slowly the stranger drew her veil, And looked the Soldier in the eye-- A glance of mingled foul and fair; Sad patience in a proud disdain, And more than quietude. A sigh She heaved, and if all unaware, And far seemed Mosby from her care. She came from Yewton Place, her home, So ravaged by the war’s wild play-- Campings, and foragings, and fires-- That now she sought an aunt’s abode. Her Kinsmen? In Lee’s army, they. The black? A servant, late her sire’s. And Mosby? Vainly he inquires. He gazed, and sad she met his eye; “In the wood yonder were you lost” No; at the forks they left the road Because of hoof-prints (thick they were-- Thick as the words in notes thrice crossed), And fearful, made that episode. In fear of Mosby? None she showed. Her poor attire again he scanned: “Lady, once more; I grieve to jar On all sweet usage, but must plead To have what peeps there from your dress; That letter--’tis justly prize of war” She started--gave it--she must need. “’Tis not from Mosby? May I read?” And straight such matter he perused That with the Guide he went apart. The Hospital Steward’s turn began: “Must squeeze this darkey; every tap Of knowledge we are bound to start” “Garry,” she said, “tell all you can Of Colonel Mosby--that brave man.” “Dun know much, sare; and missis here Know less dan me. But dis I know--” “Well, what?” “I dun know what I know” “A knowing answer!” The hump-back coughed, Rubbing his yellowish wool like tow. “Come--Mosby--tell!” “O dun look so! My gal nursed missis--let we go.” “Go where?” demanded Captain Cloud; “Back into bondage? Man, you’re free” “Well, _let_ we free!” The Captain’s brow Lowered; the Colonel came--had heard: “Pooh! pooh! his simple heart I see-- A faithful servant.--Lady” (a bow), “Mosby’s abroad--with us you’ll go. “Guard! look to your prisoners; back to camp! The man in the grass--can he mount and away? Why, how he groans!” “Bad inward bruise-- Might lug him along in the ambulance” “Coals to Newcastle! let him stay. Boots and saddles!--our pains we lose, Nor care I if Mosby hear the news!” But word was sent to a house at hand, And a flask was left by the hurt one’s side. They seized in that same house a man, Neutral by day, by night a foe-- So charged his neighbor late, the Guide. A grudge? Hate will do what it can; Along he went for a Mosby-man.