"Beastly," assented the other, heartily.

I fairly held my breath as Craig rode forward. If one of them should
chance to strike a match to light a pipe, or any false movement of
Craig's should excite suspicion! If he should even speak, his soft
Southern drawl would mean instant betrayal. And how coolly he went at
it; with a sharp touch of the spur, causing his jaded horse to exhibit
such sudden restlessness as to keep the escort well to one side, while
he ranged close up to our unwelcome guest, and laying firm hand upon
her horse's bit, led forth to where I waited. It was quickly, nobly
done, and I could have hugged the fellow.

"Well, good luck to you, Major, and a pleasant ride. Remember me to
Brennan. Deuced queer, though, why he failed to show up on such an
occasion as this."

"He was unfortunate enough to be sent out in the other direction with
despatches--good-night, gentlemen."

It was sweet music to me to listen to their hoof-beats dying rapidly
away behind us as we turned back down the dark road, the Sergeant still
riding with his one hand grasping the stranger's rein. I endeavored to
scan her figure in the blackness, but found the effort useless, as
little more than a shadow was visible. Yet it was impressed upon me
that she sat straight and firm in the saddle, so I concluded she must
be young. Rapidly I reviewed our predicament, and sought for some
avenue of escape. If we were only certain as to where we were, we might
plan with better prospect of success. The woman? Doubtless she would
know, and possibly I might venture to question her without awakening
suspicion. Surely the experiment was well worth trying.