The littlest rebel flung back her head and laughed.

"My, but you looked funny!" she cried to the somewhat disconcerted
officer, pointing at him with her spoon. "If a mouse had jumped out, I
reckon it would have scared you mos' to death."

The officer's cheeks flushed red, in spite of his every effort at
control; nor was he assisted by the knowledge that his men were
tittering behind his back. He turned upon them sharply.

"That will do," he said, and gave a brusque command: "Corporal, deploy
your men and make a thorough search outside. Examine the ground around
the spring--and report!"

"Yes, sir," returned Corporal Dudley saluting and dropping his hand
across his mouth to choke off an exclamation of anger. Then he snarled
at his men, to ease the pain of thwarted vengeance: "_'Tention! Right
face! Forward! March!_"

The squad trooped out across the broken door, leaving their commanding
officer alone with his rebel prisoner.

"Now, Virgie," he asked, in a kindly tone, though holding her eyes with
his, "do you mean to tell me--cross your heart--that you are here, just
by yourself?"

"Er--no, sir." As he opened his lips to speak, she pointed to her doll.
"Me an' Susan Jemima."