He disappeared reluctantly enough, and, as the door closed, I extended my hand to the major.
"I certainly appreciate your assistance," I began warmly. "I know very little about these affairs, or how they are conducted."
He took my hand, yet with no great cordiality, plainly enough already somewhat doubtful as to his course.
"I presumed as much, sir, but first, and before we proceed further, I should like to have some explanation of the trouble between you and Le Gaire. You are doubtless aware that I am the father of Willifred Hardy."
"Yes, Major, and I am perfectly willing to tell you the whole story. Shall I send for Miss Hardy to corroborate whatever I may say?"
"No, sir. You are a Yankee, but a gentleman, and I accept your word. I prefer Billie should know nothing of what is occurring."
I told it swiftly from the beginning, yet was careful to leave no impression that she had performed anything more than a mere friendly service to an enemy in danger. Even then it was difficult for the Confederate to appreciate fully the girl's motives, and his face clearly expressed disapproval. As I came to an end, after telling of her effort to gain his release, and my locking her within her own room, he paced back and forth across the floor, scowling down at the carpet.
"By Gad, you tell the story all right," he exclaimed, "but that doesn't seem like Billie; whatever got into the girl to make her do a trick like that?"
"You mean helping me?"
"Yes, against Le Gaire. I can understand how she took you through to Jonesboro; that was necessary. But all the rest is a puzzle. Did you know she was engaged to Captain Le Gaire?"