She came toward me swiftly, slipping through the night like a shadow, instantly recognizing my voice. "You--you are not hurt, Lieutenant Galesworth?" she asked, her voice trembling. "No; merely bruised, and shaken up--the horse did that." "Oh; was it you who had that struggle with the horse? I--I thought he would surely kill the man." "The poor fellow was frightened," and I stroked his neck softly, "and certainly gave me a hard tussle. But that's all over now. I want to explain what has happened before I leave." "Yes." "I owe you that, do I not, wearing your colors?" I could not perceive the expression of her face, but the tone of her voice was not altogether encouraging. "They were but expressive of my best wishes; of course I wished you to succeed." "I wonder--will you continue your good wishes after hearing my story?" "What do you mean? You have not killed any one?" "No; but I have hurt one who seems to have some claim upon you." She drew in her breath quickly, clasping her hands. "Who?--tell me! Can you mean Captain Le Gaire?" "I regret to say 'yes'; this was his horse. Now don't blame me until you hear the whole story. I will tell it all in very few words, and then go." "But--but you are sure he is not seriously hurt?" "He may have a rib or collar-bone broken, and is still unconscious; nothing that will keep him out of mischief long. I wanted to tell you all about the affair myself--I don't trust Le Gaire." "Why say that to me?" "Because I must. If I understand the man the very first thing he will do will be to poison your mind against me--" "He? Why?" "Miss Hardy," I said soberly, "what use is there for us to play at cross-purposes? You realize that Captain Le Gaire suspects that you have an interest in me, that you have helped in my escape. He doesn't like me any the better for that. Men will do strange things when they are in love--such men as Le Gaire. Do you suppose I intend permitting him to thus influence you against me, when I am where I cannot defend myself?" "But he would never do that; I am sure, he never would." "Possibly not, but I prefer you should have my version to compare with what he may say. We have met strangely, in a manner which could only happen in time of war, and one day and two nights of adventure together have already made us better acquainted than would a year of ordinary social intercourse. I value your good wishes, and feel more gratitude than words can express. I am not going away leaving you to think me unworthy. I will tell you this exactly as it occurred, and you are to believe me, no matter what is said later." My earnestness made an impression and as I paused her lips parted. "Yes--I am going to believe you." "I felt sure you would. Now listen, for I must be away, and Le Gaire attended to."