eplied the woman promptly. "You are suspected
of being the bearer of a message from the rebel General Greene, and my
business is to find the despatch, if any exist upon your person."

"You must think the general poorly off for men," replied Emily.

"No matter what we think, Miss Pert. You are suspected, as I said; and,
I should infer from your manner, not without good cause. Are you
willing that I should search your person for evidence to confirm our
suspicion?"

"Certainly; though I should be better pleased to see one of my sex
engaged in a more honourable employment."

"Be silent," exclaimed the woman angrily, as she stamped her foot upon
the floor. She then commenced searching the young girl's person, during
which operation Emily could not resist the temptation she felt to let a
cutting word fall now and then from her ready tongue; which was hardly
prudent for one in her situation.

The search, of course, elicited nothing that could fix upon her the
suspicion of being a messenger from the rebel army.

"Are you satisfied?" inquired Emily, as she re-arranged her dress after
the ordeal had been passed. She spoke with the contempt she felt. The
woman made no reply; but went out in silence, taking with her the light
she had brought into the room, and leaving Emily alone and in darkness.
For nearly half an hour, the latter sat awaiting her return; but during
that period no one approached her room, nor was there any movement
about the house that she could interpret as having a reference to
herself. At last the heavy tread of a man was heard ascending the
stairs; a key was applied to the door of her room, and a soldier
appeared. Just behind him stood a female with a light in her hand.

"Lord Rawdon wishes to see you," said the soldier.

Emily followed him in silence. In a large room below, seated at the
table with several officers, was Lord Rawdon. Emily was brought before
him. After asking her a variety of questions, all of which the wary
girl managed to answer so as not to violate the truth, and yet allay
suspicion, he said to her--"As the night has fallen, you will not, of
course, thinking of proceeding on your journey?"

Emily reflected for some time before answering. She then said--

"If your lordship do not object, I would like to go back a short
distance. I have friends living on the road, not far from your camp."

"How far?" inquired Lord Rawdon.

"About six miles from here."

"Very well, you shall go