He was close beside her now, so close he could have grasped her bridle-rein.
“Afraid? Of course not. I am not afraid of any gentleman.”
“Do you belong to yonder camp?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And there are two ladies travelling with you,—a widow and her daughter?”
“There are a grass widow and a nigger, sir.”
“Now see here, little one,” and his voice grew harsh and loud, “you’ve been coached; that’s evident. Don’t be frightened. I don’t mean to harm you. But I am no longer deceived. Will you do me a favor?”
He was reading her face anxiously.
“What can I do for you, sir?”