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"And was it because I was unwilling to listen that that you did what you did later?" she broke in hastily. "Did later! You mean that I consented to meet Le Gaire?" "Yes that you compelled him to fight you; that you Oh, God! Why bring this all up again?" "Merely because nothing occurred of which I am ashamed. Without doubt it was my love for you which caused the trouble.
It might be possible even for my little squad to hold this advance position until reinforcements arrived, but what could be done with the prisoners? Billie might forgive me realizing the motive for all which had occurred thus far, but if I were to turn her father and Le Gaire over to the hardships of a Northern prison, I could expect no mercy.
Under those circumstances," and her voice faltered slightly, "it may be that I said and did more than I should, enough well, enough to encourage you. But but I thought it all over with. You knew of Captain Le Gaire, and that should have been sufficient. Yet you come here, in face of all this, and and dare to make love to me."
"Did they send you to me to find out?" "No; father merely supposed I was going to my own room after something I needed." "And Le Gaire?" I insisted. She looked at me frankly, her eyes utterly fearless. "We have scarcely spoken, and and he certainly would never have advised my coming to you. I came of my own volition, because well, because you claimed this was all a service to me.
You and Le Gaire were going to be married, and I supposed you cared a good deal for him. Someway I couldn't make myself talk about it, Billie; that's all." Her eyes sought mine, but just then Miles appeared in the hall, halting with a salute as he caught sight of me. "Nobody in the attic, sir, but things are getting pretty warm outside," he reported anxiously.
I was on my knees in an instant, thoughtless of everything except that I had come into contact with a body. The shock numbed me, nor could my fingers alone solve the mystery. I sprang erect, and threw open the nearest side door, permitting the light to stream in. Then I saw the man's face, upturned, lifeless the face of Gerald Le Gaire.
Le Gaire looked at us, vastly amused, all his former jealousy and suspicion instantly dissipated by this evidence of misunderstanding. "You certainly must have had a merry night of it, you two trying to outlie each other, and with honors about even. However, the tangle is straightened out now, and we must be on our way. What are you trying to do, Atherton, get to the rear of the Yanks?"
I had been analyzing my own heart, and discovered Captain Le Gaire was not what I had believed him to be. The very fact that both he and my father so took everything for granted, arranged all details without consulting my wishes, made me rebellious. But your dictation is even worse than theirs. They had some right, while you have none, absolutely none, Lieutenant Galesworth have you?"
It still remained sufficiently deep to conceal our movements, and, as we had circled the picket lines, we could proceed with greater confidence. We were beyond the vigilance of sentinels, and could be discovered now only through some accidental encounter. I touched Le Gaire on the shoulder, and whispered in his ear: "How much farther is it?"
The instant the space was sufficient, I forced the door shut, and stood with my back against it, the black muzzle of my Colt staring them in the eyes. "Hands up, gentlemen!" I said sternly, "a movement means death." They presented two astounded faces, Hardy's absolutely blank, so complete his surprise, but Le Gaire recognized me instantly, his mouth flying open, his eyes glaring. "Good God! you!"
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