My lady certainly possessed a temper of her own, and I was obliged to
smile there in the dark at her high head and quick retort.

"I ask your pardon, I am sure,"--I returned soberly. "But my question
was not altogether an idle one. I have chanced to meet several of
General Sheridan's staff, and thought possibly Major Brennan might have
been of their number. Seeing that we must associate for a time, I
naturally felt it would prove pleasanter for both of us if we might
discover some mutual tie."

There was no response. Her eyes were fastened upon the road ahead, and
evidently my lady possessed no desire for the discovery of any such
tie. Watching her, I pressed my lips together, and held her as a proud
and silly fool.

I would perform my full duty toward her, of course, but beyond that I
would go no further.

The pace we were travelling had already told severely on the horses,
although hers was by far the best and freshest of the three. My own
brave sorrel had stumbled several times already in a way that gave me
no small uneasiness, yet I durst not venture to draw rein or even
slacken speed. Already, beyond a doubt, the patrol in our rear had
missed the picket stationed at the crossroads, had searched until they
found the lifeless body where Craig had hidden it, and were now hot
upon our trail. Hard, continuous riding alone could save us--riding
with a thoroughly aroused enemy at our heels, and yet another picket
line to pass before we could even hope for a clear sweep into safety.

The road we were following here took a sudden trend downward, and we