after
pausing for some moments, said--

"Will you go on this journey alone?"

"Give me a fleet horse, and I will bear your message safely."

"Alone?"

"Alone."

[Illustration: GENERAL GREENE AND MISS GEIGER. Page 72.]

"What is your name?" inquired the officer, after another thoughtful
pause.

"Emily Geiger."

"Is your father living?"

"Yes."

"Have you his consent?"

"He knows nothing of my intention. But he loves his country, and, but
for ill health, would be now bearing arms against their enemies. His
heart is with the good cause, though his arm is powerless. His head
must approve the act, though his heart might fail him were I to ask his
consent. But it is not for you, general, to hesitate. Heaven has sent
you a messenger, and you dare not refuse to accept the proffered
service when so much is at stake."

"Noble girl!" said the general, with emotion, "you shall go. And may
God speed you and protect you on your journey."

"He will!" murmured the intrepid girl, in a low voice.

"Order a swift, but well-trained and gentle horse to be saddled
immediately," said Greene to the officer who had conducted the maiden
into his presence.

The officer retired, and Emily seated herself while the general wrote a
hasty despatch for Sumter. This, after it was completed, he read over
to her twice, in order that, if compelled to destroy it, she might yet
deliver the message verbally, and then asked her to repeat to him its
contents. She did so accurately. He then gave her minute directions
with regard to the journey, with instructions how to act in case she
was intercepted by the soldiers of Lord Rawdon, to all of which she
listened with deep attention.

"And now, my good girl," said the general, with an emotion that he
could not conceal, as he handed her the despatch, "I commit to your
care this important message. Every thing depends on its safe delivery.
Here is money for your expenses on the journey," and he reached her a
purse. But Emily drew back, saying--

"I have money in my pocket. Keep what you have. You will need it, and
more, for your country."

At this point, the officer re-entered the tent, and announced that the
horse was ready.

"And so am I," said Emily, as she stepped out into the open air.
Already a whisper of what was going on in the general's quarters had
passed through the camp, and many officers and men had gathered before
his tent to see the noble-minded girl as she came forth to star