et sincerely that
we have nothing left; yet I beg you--help yourself."

Colonel Morrison bit his lip, half in vexation and half in amusement.
"At least you make my undertaking a difficult one, although I must
admit, I hardly blame you." And then, with a quick, searching look, "Are
there any rebels hidden in your house?"

"No," she answered.

"No wounded officers--or refugees of any kind?"

"None."

"You give me your word for this--your oath?"

The Southern woman's head went up and her eyes flashed. "I do," she said
contemptuously and moved away.

"Thank you," was the grave reply, and he turned to dismiss his men. Then
a thought struck him and he detained her with a gesture.

"Pardon me, but if it _was_ true--if a brother or a father--was
concealed in there--wouldn't your answer be the same?"

The answer that came proudly back did not amaze him. "I would try to
protect them--yes! Even with a _perjury_!"

"Ah!" he said sharply. "Then, don't you you see, you tie the hands of
courtesy and _force_ me to--to this invasion of your home. _Corporal!_
Make a search of the house for hidden arms or stragglers and report to
me. If any rebels are found--bring them out. Wait," he ordered, as the
Corporal promptly started forward, "nothing else, _whatever_, must be
taken or molested."

"One moment," commanded Mrs. Cary in her turn and beckoned to Uncle
Billy who had been standing by in silence. "William! conduct these
soldiers through my house--and show them every courtesy. If the
Colonel's orders are not obeyed, report to me."

"Yas'm," grinned Uncle Billy, with an opera bouffe salute. "Ev'ry
molestashun I'se gwine report."

Morrison laughed outright. "I'm sorry you still have doubts of my
honorable intentions. May--may my soldiers go in now? Thank you."

He walked away a few steps, then turned and looked at her where she sat
on the bench demurely sewing. It occurred to him that she was _too_
demure. Besides, he had discovered something.

"Er--it is true that I found your stable empty," he said, while his eyes
probed hers, "but, curiously enough, it seems to have been recently
occupied."

"Yes?" was the non-committal reply.

"Yes," he echoed, with a touch of iron in his voice. "And you can insure
our leaving you more quickly if you will tell me where these horses have
been hidden."

Mrs. Cary did not raise her eyes.

"Granted that we _had_ them," she said, "I'm afraid I must trouble you
to look for them. Othe