“No; you are on what may still be considered debatable ground. But I cannot give information to a lady whose masquerade is at least suspicious.”
“I only ask, sir, to be taken within your lines. Will you do this for me?”
“I doubt it, madam, unless you can show me you have good right to be there. You are not a Frenchwoman.”
“No, I am not, but I carry important information for your General.”
“Pardon me, madam, but the General is fully occupied,” I said, in my most repelling manner.
“Sir, I have come thus far at great risk to myself, and my news is of the utmost importance. Let me go on alone, if you will not take me in yourself.”
“Madam, I have not the honour to be known to you, but, believe me, my advice is of the best when I tell you that your way is open to the town again. Take it, madam, and think nothing more of this escapade, but that you were fortunate to have fallen in with one who could advise so soundly.”
“This is no escapade, sir; it has been a matter of life or death to me, and it is almost as much to your General,” she said, with such earnestness that I could not doubt her intentions.
“Then, madam, if you are determined, I will take you. You cannot possibly go on alone; there are too many Indians engaged in their usual pastime of looking after white scalps. But first I must seek for help for a wounded officer, and then must complete my work. Follow me closely, but give me your word you will not attempt any tricks,” I said; for I have never been prepossessed in favour of adventurous damsels, and I misdoubted the value of her alleged information.
“That will not answer. I must go on at once! I cannot wait.”