danger as about yours," I returned quietly. "But would it be a pleasure
even to you to behold me swinging from the limb of a tree, hung as a
spy without trial, merely because I ventured to walk with you into a
Federal camp?"

I could see her eyes now resting full upon me, and much of the hardness
and doubt seemed to have gone out of them as she scanned my uncovered
features in the dim light. I scarcely think I was ever considered a
handsome man even by my friends, but I was young then, frank of face,
with that about me which easily inspired confidence, and it did me good
to note how her eyes softened, and to mark the perceptible tremor in
her voice as she cried impulsively:

"Oh, no! Not that!"

"Your words yield me new heart," I replied fervently, determined, now
that the ice was partially broken, to permit no excuse for its again
forming, "for if you but once fully realize our situation you will
certainly feel that I am merely endeavoring to perform my plain duty. I
know not how I could do less without forfeiting entirely your respect.
Now one thing more--please banish from your thought the idea that you
are in any way a prisoner; forget, if possible, the color of my
uniform, and think of me simply as an officer of equal rank and
standing with those you know in your own army,--one who stands ready,
if need arise, to protect you with his life; as glad to serve you as if
he wore the blue instead of the gray."

I believed for a moment my words had appealed to her nobler nature;
that she would outstretch to me her slightly uplifted hand and
surrender utterly. But it was only for the moment; whatever wave of