“My father,” said Jeanne again, looking piteously from one to the other. “Oh, what does he mean, Admiral? What does he mean?”
“Child,” Farragut took her hand kindly. “Tell me truly. What is your father?”
“He is in the employ of the government,” reiterated Jeanne vehemently. “He sends communications all over the states, because he told me so. He said that telegraphs were not to be trusted, nor the mails either. For that reason people were sent to the different cities with information about the government.”
“That proves nothing,” said the General, “unless it can be substantiated. Why then do you want to visit your uncle–if you are loyal–when he is such a rebel?”
“A rebel?” cried Jeanne recoiling in horror. “Is my uncle a rebel?”
CHAPTER XI
CLEARED OF SUSPICION
The girl stared at them as if unable to believe the evidence of her senses.
“A rebel!” she repeated wildly. “My uncle a rebel? It cannot be!”
Her consternation was so apparent that General Butler almost believed in her. Farragut’s clouded face cleared instantly, and he turned to the other quickly.