“I want to see the General who has charge here,” she said. A broad smile was on the soldier's face. “The General is out on business just now, Miss. Indeed, I haven't seen him for some time. Won't the Lieutenant do as well?” The haughty look she gave him brought the flippant fellow to his senses. “Miss,” he stammered, in an apologetic tone, “if you've got anything to sell, why you'd do better to see the cook. He buys all our provender, and will take your fruit, I'm certain.” “I wish to see the officer who is in command here,” she continued. “Bob,” {285}the guard said, “go tell the officer of the day that a lady wishes to see him.” “The Lieutenant will see the lady at once,” the man said, on his return. Conducting her to a tent, she entered, and saw a very handsome young man, “far handsomer,” she thought, “than Walter.” His brown eyes rested inquiringly upon her as he arose and politely handed her a camp stool. She seated herself, but remained silent. He kindly said-- “Did you wish to see me on any particular matter? I am at your service.” Helen's heart beat fast. She knew that she was placed in a strange position, but she felt she could endure any unjust comment, so that she could undo the wrong she had done her sister and Walter Ryder. “Sir, I came to ask you if the young man who was shot yesterday, was killed?” and her voice faltered. “Ah,” Lieutenant Gordon thought, “she is no simple country girl. Why is she interested in a Union soldier?” The query gave his voice a tinge of bitterness as he made reply-- “He was not, though he deserved death, for he is a Confederate spy.” “Oh, sir, you are wrong. Believe me, he is no spy, and I will prove it to you, if you will only listen.” In her excitement she had risen to her feet, and her sun-bonnet had fallen off, while her long dark hair rippled over her face, which was flushed and eager. Again that bitter feeling crossed the officer's mind as he gazed at her, half forgetting that she was waiting for his permission to explain. “You will not shoot him as a spy--you cannot be so cruel!” “Miss, it does not rest with me to decide the fate of the young man. He will be tried on the charge of being a spy, and if guilty--why, you know the rules of war.” She looked at him steadily, and as their gaze met he felt there was some powerful reason for the feeling she showed. He waited courteously for her to speak, but her lips trembled and her voice failed her. “Have {286}you any reason to give why he should not be punished?” “I have--he is innocent, and I come to you to ask for his life. I must tell you the truth, and leave it to your honor to conceal as much of the facts as you can, consistent with his safety. My twin sister and I are deeply interested in him.”