“These letters prove that there has been communication exchanged before. Have you ever been on a like expedition?”
“No, sir; I do not know that you will believe me when I say that I did not know what I was doing when I went on this errand. But I did not. I would rather have died than to have given aid to the enemies of the Union; and yet I did it.”
“Suppose you tell me just how it happened,” suggested the General. “I will gladly hear any extenuating circumstances that you may give, for I am loth to believe that you are guilty of treachery.”
With many tears Jeanne related her story. “I can never forgive myself,” she concluded mournfully. “I deserve to be punished.”
“What was in the basket that you carried over?”
“There was some medicine, quinine, I think, jellies, and other delicacies.”
“There were no documents of any kind? Think well, child.”
“I did not see any, but Feliciane told me, and the rebel soldier also, that there was news of an attack to be made upon General Thompson. I am convinced that the intelligence was concealed in the false bottom of my basket. You remember where I carried the quinine, sir?” Then she told how her aunt had examined the basket and suggested its use.
“Beyond doubt it carried the information,” remarked Butler. “General Thompson with his men is just beyond our lines. I have known for some time that communication had been going on between the citizens and the soldiers, and have been keeping a sharp lookout. Still they managed to elude my vigilance some way. The Vances are among the ring leaders. Why have you remained here so long?” he asked, suddenly. “Why have you not returned to your father?”
“I have not heard from him,” said Jeanne, her tears flowing afresh. “In all this long time I have not heard one word.”