"I have been told," said the visitor, the colour deepening in her face, "that you are in want of a bearer of despatches to General Sumter." "I am," replied the general. "But I find no one courageous enough to undertake the perilous mission." "Send me," said the maiden. And she drew her slight form upward proudly. "Send you!" exclaimed the general, taken by surprise. "You? Oh no, child! I could not do that. It is a journey from which brave men hold back." "I am not a brave man. I am only a woman. But I will go." "Touched by such an unlooked-for incident, General Greene, after pausing for some moments, said-- "Will you go on this journey alone?" "Give me a fleet horse, and I will bear your message safely." "Alone?" "Alone." [Illustration: GENERAL GREENE AND MISS GEIGER. Page 72.] "What is your name?" inquired the officer, after another thoughtful pause. "Emily Geiger." "Is your father living?" "Yes." "Have you his consent?" "He knows nothing of my intention. But he loves his country, and, but for ill health, would be now bearing arms against their enemies. His heart is with the good cause, though his arm is powerless. His head must approve the act, though his heart might fail him were I to ask his consent. But it is not for you, general, to hesitate. Heaven has sent you a messenger, and you dare not refuse to accept the proffered service when so much is at stake." "Noble girl!" said the general, with emotion, "you shall go. And may God speed you and protect you on your journey." "He will!" murmured the intrepid girl, in a low voice. "Order a swift, but well-trained and gentle horse to be saddled immediately," said Greene to the officer who had conducted the maiden into his presence. The officer retired, and Emily seated herself while the general wrote a hasty despatch for Sumter. This, after it was completed, he read over to her twice, in order that, if compelled to destroy it, she might yet deliver the message verbally, and then asked her to repeat to him its contents. She did so accurately. He then gave her minute directions with regard to the journey, with instructions how to act in case she was intercepted by the soldiers of Lord Rawdon, to all of which she listened with deep attention. "And now, my good girl," said the general, with an emotion that he could not conceal, as he handed her the despatch, "I commit to your care this important message. Every thing depends on its safe delivery. Here is money for your expenses on the journey," and he reached her a purse. But Emily drew back, saying-- "I have money in my pocket. Keep what you have. You will need it, and more, for your country." At this point, the officer re-entered the tent, and announced that the horse was ready.