madam," I said calmly, "and to the best of my knowledge I have not the
pleasure of Major Brennan's acquaintance."

She seemed not to know what to say, and sat there staring at me through
the darkness, as she might have gazed in speechless horror at some wild
animal she expected would spring upon her.

"A Rebel!" The hated word hissed from her lips as if the utterance
burned them.

"Yes, madam," I said, somewhat coldly, for I was not especially fond of
the term, "that is what they call us on your side, but also an officer
and a gentleman."

I doubt if she even heard me. All I know is she suddenly lifted the
heavy riding whip that was clinched in her right hand, struck me with
it full across the face, and then, as I quickly flung up my own arm to
ward off a second blow, she sent the lash swirling down upon the flank
of her horse. With one bound the maddened animal wrenched the reins
from out my hands, nearly dragging me from the saddle, and swerved
sharply to the left. There was a shock, a smothered oath, a moment's
fierce struggle in the darkness, the sharp ping of the whip as it came
down once, twice--then silence, broken only by deep breathing.

"I've got her, Captain," chuckled the Sergeant, softly, "but dog-gone
if I know what to do with her."

There was small sentiment of mercy in my heart as I drew up toward
them, for my cheek burned where the lash had struck as though scorched
with fire. For the moment I felt utterly indifferent to all claims of