The Purchase Price; Or, The Cause of Compromise

E-text prepared by Al Haines
1910
Madam, you are charming! You have not slept, and yet you smile. No man could ask a better prisoner.
She turned to him, smiling faintly.
I thank you. At least we have had breakfast, and for such mercy I am grateful to my jailer. I admit I was famished. What now?
With just the turn of a shoulder she indicated the water front, where, at the end of the dock on which they stood, lay the good ship, Mount Vernon , river packet, the black smoke already pouring from her stacks. In turn he smiled and also shrugged a shoulder.
Let us not ask! My dear lady, I could journey on for ever with one so young and pleasant as yourself. I will give you my promise in exchange for your parole.
Now her gesture was more positive, her glance flashed more keenly at him. Do not be too rash, she answered. My parole runs only while we travel together privately. As soon as we reach coach or boat, matters will change. I reserve the right of any prisoner to secure life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I shall endeavor, believe me—and in my own way.
He frowned as she presently went on to make herself yet more clear. It was well enough when we traveled in our own private express, from Washington here to Pittsburgh for then there was no chance for escape. I gave my parole, because it pleased you and did not jeopardize myself. Here my jailer may perhaps have some trouble with me.
You speak with the courage and fervor of the true leader of a cause. Madam, he rejoined, now smiling. What evil days are these on which I have fallen—I, a mere soldier obeying orders! Not that I have found the orders unpleasant; but it is not fair of you to bring against mankind double weapons! Such is not the usage of civilized warfare. Dangerous enough you are as woman alone, without bringing to your aid those gifts of mind suited to problems which men have been accustomed to arrogate to themselves.
Arrogate is quite the right word. It is especially fit for a jailer.