ght
among ladies, and, no doubt, many lives. I know, if they had taken
us, D'ri and I would never have got back.

I have saved myself many a time by strategy, but chose the sword
always if there were an even chance. And, God knows, if one had
ever a look at our bare bodies, he would see no sign of shirking on
either D'ri or me.

X

The shooting and shouting and the tramp of horse and man had roused
everybody in the big house. Even the general came down to know
what was the matter. The young ladies came, pale and frightened,
but in faultless attire. I put an armed guard by the prisoners at
the door, under command of D'ri. Then I had them bare the feet of
the four Britishers, knowing they could not run bootless in the
brush. We organized a convoy,--the general and I,--and prepared to
start for the garrison. We kept the smudges going, for now and
then we could hear the small thunder of hornet-wings above us.
There is a mighty menace in it, I can tell you, if they are angry.

"Jerushy Jane Pepper!" said D'ri, as he sat, rifle on his knee,
looking at his prisoners. "Never thought nobody c'u'd luk s'
joemightyful cur'us. Does mek a man humly t' hev any trouble with
them air willy-come-bobs." He meant wasps.

I had had no opportunity for more than a word with the young
ladies. I hoped it might come when I went in for a hasty breakfast
with the baroness, the count, the general, and Mr. Parish. As we
were eating, Louison came in hurriedly. She showed some agitation.

"What is the trouble, my dear?" said the baroness, in French.

"Eh bien, only this," said she: "I have dropped my ring in the
brook. It is my emerald. I cannot reach it."

"Too bad! She has dropped her ring in the brook," said the
baroness, in English, turning to me.

"If she will have the kindness to take me there," I said to the
hostess, rising as I spoke, "I shall try to get it for her."

"M'sieur le Capitaine, you are very obliging," said she. Then,
turning to Louison, she added in French: "Go with him. He will
recover it for you."

It pleased and flattered me, the strategy of this wonderful young
creature. She led me, with dainty steps, through a dewy garden
walk into the trail.

"Parbleu!" she whispered, "is it not a shame to take you from your
meat? But I could not help it. I had to see you; there is
something I wish to say."

"A pretty girl is better than meat," I answered quickly. "I am
indebted to you."

"M