The quick move she made started the horse suddenly, or he might have been surprised to feel that hand.
But the horse was better than apple-women usually ride, and that aroused some suspicion at Col. Buell's headquarters, so that the ride out was interrupted by a mounted picket who galloped alongside and again her bridle was seized.
The sergeant and eight men of the guard were perhaps thirty paces back.
“What will you have?” asked the apple-woman. “I am but a poor lone woman going peaceably to my home.”
“Didn't you hear the sergeant call for you, d—n you?” answered the sentinel.
A spurred boot under the ragged skirt pierced the horse's flank; the hand that came from the apple basket fired the cocked pistol almost before the sentry knew it, and the picket fell dead.
The reserve stood as if stupefied.
That night I gave Quantrell, for Col. Hays, a plan showing the condition of affairs in Independence.
The morning of the 11th the attack was made and Col. Buell, his force shot to pieces, surrendered.
The apple-woman's expedition had been a success.