“No; you poor child! I have been sorry that I was so unkind to you. After all I was glad that you girls saved Frank. It would have broken my heart had he been shot. Ah!––”
There was a rushing, whizzing sound and a huge mortar shell passed over them, and, burying itself in the side of the hill beyond, exploded with a great report.
“What is it?” cried Jeanne affrightedly clinging to Mr. Huntsworth.
“The Federals have begun to shell the city,” said the Colonel calmly. “Their fleet has been gathering for several days. We have been expecting it.”
CHAPTER XXVIII
THE SIEGE BEGINS
“Then we are safe, safe,” cried Jeanne, forgetful of the presence of the soldiers. “Oh, Mr. Huntsworth, the Federals will soon have the city!”
“I wouldn’t be too sure of that, my little lady,” remarked Colonel Peyton dryly. “Vicksburg is impregnable, and I fear that it will be a waste of ammunition on the part of the Federals.”
“I did not mean to be impolite, Colonel,” said the girl contritely. “It wasn’t very nice of me to make such a remark. I should be sorry for you if our men did take the city.”
“You are a good little girl,” said Colonel Peyton warmly. “I like a generous hearted foe.”