“Oh,” she exclaimed, with a light laugh, “and is that all? Yet surely, if I was to believe my own eyes I was perfectly justified in my actions then. However, Captain, I have been forced to realize the truth of that situation, and am now disposed to make up to you in kindness for all my unjust suspicions.”
“I am more than delighted to learn that cloud is no longer to overshadow us. Miss Minor has made a full explanation, then?”
“You have been completely exonerated, and restored to my good graces.”
As she spoke, I became aware that she was busily engaged upon some task, and when she ended I felt the steel of a gun-barrel touch my hand.
“Please pass this to Maria,” she said calmly, “and hand me back the one she has.”
“You are loading, then?” I asked, as I complied with her request.
“We have all been busy. Isn't it terrible? I was so frightened at first, but now they tell me that you and your men have come, there is no longer danger of those horrible creatures getting in here.”
“You knew, then, that I was in the house?”
“I was told some noble Confederates had accompanied Lieutenant Caton back to aid us, but your name was not mentioned.”
“Then my appearance must have proven a complete surprise?”