“Soldiers have to run risks, mother. My father, who is at Ditton, with a strong body of horse, was terribly anxious about home. A spy came in and said the rebels were in this direction, so I said I could make my way here and get news, and he trusted me to come. That’s all.”
“But if you are taken, Scar?”
“I don’t mean to be taken, mother. I shall go back as I came. Rebel sentinels are clever, but some people can manage to elude them.”
“Oh, my boy, my boy!”
“Don’t—don’t fidget, dear, like that. I tell you there is no risk. But I must not stay long.”
“Are you sure no one saw you come?”
“Quite certain. But I am sorry that I have such poor news to lake back. But, mother dear, they have treated you with respect?”
“Oh yes, my boy. Fred Forrester’s with them.”
“Ah!” ejaculated Scarlett, angrily.
“And he has been most respectful and kind.”