KERCHIVAL. Sergeant Barket! Lieutenant Bedloe has crossed the enemy's
line, at Buckton's Ford, with a party of men. I wish you to ride to
the Ford yourself, and remain there, with your horse in readiness and
fresh. As soon as any survivor of the party returns, ride back with
the first news at full speed.

BARKET. Yes, sir. [_Starting._

KERCHIVAL. You say a prisoner has been captured? Is it a spy?

BARKET. Worse--a petticoat.

KERCHIVAL. A female prisoner! [_Dropping into seat._

BARKET. I towld the byes your honour wouldn't thank us fer the
catchin' of her. The worst of it is she's a lady; and what's worse
still, it's a purty one.

KERCHIVAL. Tell Major Wilson, for me, to let her take the oath, and
everything else she wants. The Government of the United States will
send her an apology and a new bonnet.

BARKET. The young lady is to take the oath, is it? She says she'll see
us damned first.

KERCHIVAL. A lady, Barket?

BARKET. Well! she didn't use thim exact words. That's the way I
understand her emphasis. Ivery time she looks at me, I feel like