She seemed somewhat uncertain how to take my drolling, whereupon I changed my tone, and asked, with every appearance of curiosity, "May I inquire how I can be of service to you?" "Am I within the French lines?" "No; you are on what may still be considered debatable ground. But I cannot give information to a lady whose masquerade is at least suspicious." "I only ask, sir, to be taken within your lines. Will you do this for me?" "I doubt it, madam, unless you can show me you have good right to be there. You are not a Frenchwoman." "No, I am not, but I carry important information for your General." "Pardon me, madam, but the General is fully occupied," I said, in my most repelling manner. "Sir, I have come thus far at great risk to myself, and my news is of the utmost importance. Let me go on alone, if you will not take me in yourself." "Madam, I have not the honour to be known to you, but, believe me, my advice is of the best when I tell you that your way is open to the town again. Take it, madam, and think nothing more of this escapade, but that you were fortunate to have fallen in with one who could advise so soundly." "This is no escapade, sir; it has been a matter of life or death to me, and it is almost as much to your General," she said, with such earnestness that I could not doubt her intentions. "Then, madam, if you are determined, I will take you. You cannot possibly go on alone; there are too many Indians engaged in their usual pastime of looking after white scalps. But first I must seek for help for a wounded officer, and then must complete my work. Follow me closely, but give me your word you will not attempt any tricks," I said; for I have never been prepossessed in favour of adventurous damsels, and I misdoubted the value of her alleged information. "That will not answer. I must go on at once! I cannot wait." "It seems to me you are hardly in a position to choose, madam," I replied, amused at her decision. She hesitated a moment, and then said, desperately: "Do you know who I am, Hugh Maxwell? I am Margaret Nairn!" Had the solid ground opened beneath my feet I could not have been more confounded. "Margaret!" I cried, when I could find my voice. "Margaret--here? I cannot understand. Speak to me again!" "Yes, Hugh, I am Margaret--Margaret Nairn. I am Mme. de St. Just." "You have been here all along and never let me know? I cannot understand." "Do not try to understand now. Hugh! I beseech you to take me on trust and help me to go on." But as she spake I caught sight of a moving light. "Do not speak another word. Some one is coming. Crouch down here until I see who it is." Advancing cautiously, I discovered the light came from a lanthorn, by the aid of which a priest was examining the bodies, hoping, no doubt, to discover some unfortunate who needed his ministrations. He would serve me for Sarennes. "Mon pere," I said, advancing, "may I beg your assistance for a wounded officer?"