"Please pass this to Maria," she said calmly, "and hand me back the one
she has."

"You are loading, then?" I asked, as I complied with her request.

"We have all been busy. Isn't it terrible? I was so frightened at
first, but now they tell me that you and your men have come, there is
no longer danger of those horrible creatures getting in here."

"You knew, then, that I was in the house?"

"I was told some noble Confederates had accompanied Lieutenant Caton
back to aid us, but your name was not mentioned."

"Then my appearance must have proven a complete surprise?"

"Yes, and no," she answered frankly. "I was not sure it was you, of
course, and I did not venture to ask, but I knew you were in the
neighborhood, and that such an act would be in every way
characteristic. I was certain you would come if you knew, and I--I,
well really, I hoped it was."

In spite of a slight effort at restraint I groped in the darkness until
I touched her hand. For the moment she permitted me to retain it, as if
unconsciously, within my grasp.

"Why?" I questioned, scarcely relying upon my own voice.

"Oh, one always trusts friends more readily than strangers, and I have
seen you in danger before, and possess such confidence in your courage