the Sixth Corps. Of course he's the man Brennan sent, and that is all
we've got to look after."

"Oh, all right, certainly, Major," returned the first speaker, hastily.
"But the night is so cussed black I supposed we must be at least a mile
this side of where we were to meet. However, we have the lady here for
you all right, and she is anxious enough to get on."

The lady! Heavens! What odd turn of fortune's wheel was this? The lady!
I heard Craig's smothered chuckle, but before I had sufficiently
regained control over my own feelings to venture upon a suitable reply,
the entire party had drawn forward, the leader pressing so close to my
side that I felt safer with my face well shaded.

"Where is your escort, Major?" he asked, and the gruffness of his tone
put me instantly on defence.

"Just behind us," I returned, with affected carelessness, and
determined now to play out the game, lady or no lady. I was extremely
sorry for her, but the cause outweighed her comfort. "The Sergeant and
I rode out ahead when we heard you coming. Where is the lady?"

He glanced around at the group huddled behind him.

"Third on the left."

"All right, then. Nothing else, I believe"; for I was eager to get
away. "Sergeant, just ride in there and lead, out her horse. We will
have to be moving, gentlemen, for it is a rough road and a dark night."