“Let me go with Dick,” pleaded Jeanne eagerly. “He is wounded as you see, sir, and needs care and attention. Please let me go with him. I won’t be a bit of trouble.”
“I don’t know but that that will be the best way out of the difficulty,” remarked the officer musingly. “At least until I can investigate further. What was the name of your uncle?”
“Vance, sir. Benjamin Vance.”.
“Benjamin Vance!” exclaimed the officer in amazement. “He is well-known in Vicksburg. Why, he and his wife are here now visiting relatives. I will send for him at once.”
“What!” cried Jeanne. “Uncle Ben here?”
“Right here,” responded the other. “Orderly, will you send word to the La Chaise manor that I would like Mr. Vance to come here?”
The Orderly saluted and left the room. The provost turned his attention to other matters while Dick and Jeanne waited with beating hearts the return of the man.
In about an hour’s time the Orderly returned and with him came the well-known form of Mr. Vance. Behind him, her silken skirts rustling, her face wreathed in smiles, her manner full of smirks and graces, walked Madame Vance.