"Madam," I began, seeking to feel my way with caution into her
confidence, "I fear you must be quite wearied by your long ride."

She turned slightly at sound of my voice.

"Not at all, sir; I am merely eager to push on. Besides, my ride has
not been a long one, as we merely came from General Sigel's
headquarters."

The voice was pleasantly modulated and refined.

"Ah, yes, certainly," I stammered, fearful lest I had made a grave
mistake. "But really I had supposed General Sigel was at
Coultersville."

"He advanced to Bear Creek yesterday," she returned quietly. "So you
see we had covered scarcely more than three miles when we met. How much
farther is it to where Major Brennan is stationed?"

I fear I was guilty of hesitancy, but it was only for a moment.

"I am unable to tell exactly, for, as it chances, I have never yet been
in the camp, but I should judge that two hours' riding will cover the
distance."

"Why," in a tone of sudden surprise, "Captain Hale certainly told me it
was all of twenty miles!"

"From Bear Creek?" I questioned eagerly, for it was my turn to feel