“Now you are reasonable. Let your servant bring pen, ink, and paper.”
She ordered the man who had waited on the table to bring the required articles, and Somers gave him a charge to be discreet as he left the room. In a few moments he returned with the writing materials, and laid them on the table. The negro was even more terrified than the lady, and there was no fear that he would venture upon any bold enterprise.
“Now, Major Riggleston, sit down at the table,” said Somers. “You will remain where you are, Miss Hasbrouk.”
“What am I to do?” asked the major.
“You will write what I dictate. Did you call this cavalry?”
“I did.”
“Then you are a loyal Marylander with a vengeance, and a worthy officer of the Maryland Home Brigade; but I will warrant there is not another such a scoundrel in the organization.”
“That is a personal insult, for which—”
“Silence, sir. Who commands the cavalry outside?”
“A sergeant.”