“What now?” I asked sharply, and in sudden anger I forced her to release her grasp. “We must ride, and ride hard, madam, to be out of this cordon by daylight.” “Ride where?” She faced me stiffly, and there was a slight sting in her voice, I felt. “Where?” I repeated; then partially gathering my scattered wits: “Why, to the camp we are seeking, of course.” I was conscious that her eyes were striving anxiously to see my face in the darkness,--that her suspicions were now fully aroused; yet her quick retort surprised me. “You lie!” she said coldly. “That was a Federal picket he killed.” It was no time for argument, and I knew it. Any moment might bring to us the sound of hoof-beats in pursuit; more, I realized that anything I might hope to say would only tend to make matters worse. There was but one course open. She must be compelled to ride, by force if necessary. Why should I hesitate? She had no claim on my consideration, and I hardened my heart to make her comprehend, once and for all, that I was the master. Even as I reached this decision, Craig, noting our pause, had ridden back, and reined in beside us without a word. “You are right,” I said tersely. “In one sense of the word you are prisoner, for the time being at least, but not through any wish of mine. We do not make war on women, and your being in this situation is altogether an accident. However, be that as it may, we must, first of all, protect ourselves. I would very gladly leave you with your friends, if possible, but as things have shaped themselves there remains but one alternative--_you must ride as I order.”_ I could mark her quick breathing while I spoke, and when I concluded one hand went up to her throat as if she choked. “You--you are not Major Brennan's friend then? You were not sent by Frank to meet me?” The questions burst from her lips so rapidly that I scarcely caught their import. “I am Captain Philip Wayne, ----th Virginia Cavalry, at your service, madam,” I said calmly, “and to the best of my knowledge I have not the pleasure of Major Brennan's acquaintance.” She seemed not to know what to say, and sat there staring at me through the darkness, as she might have gazed in speechless horror at some wild animal she expected would spring upon her. “A Rebel!” The hated word hissed from her lips as if the utterance burned them. “Yes, madam,” I said, somewhat coldly, for I was not especially fond of the term, “that is what they call us on your side, but also an officer and a gentleman.”