“It is your life or mine, Major Riggleston, and I have no time to argue the matter. In five minutes more you will have the whole Confederate army at my heels. I run no risks with a villain like you,” replied Somers.
“Don’t fire!” begged Maud; “I will do anything you desire, if you will spare me.”
It was something to see a brawling rebel woman, the most pestilent and inveterate enemy the government had in the contest, in a pleading posture. It was something to expose the ridiculous pretensions of one of that army of female rebels, fiercer and more vindictive than the men, and to demonstrate that she had none of the courage of which she had boasted. Maud regretted that her sex compelled her to be a non-combatant; it was doubtful whether she would ever again regret it.
“I wish not to take the life of either of you; but my own safety compels me to use strong measures,” said Somers, as he cocked his pistol.
“For mercy’s sake, don’t fire!” gasped Maud.
“Don’t kill me, Somers; I will pledge you my word and honor not to expose you,” added the major.
“What are your word and honor good for, after what has happened this night?” sneered Somers.
“I will give you all the information you require, if you will spare my life.”
“That would not save my life.”
“I will give you the countersign.”